Now we have arrived in January, it’s time to get back to business. If you are looking to employ workers from overseas this year, as an employer you may be responsible for assisting with visa sponsorship and more. To stay one step ahead, this article covers the key immigration updates that could affect your business in 2025.
Tighter Control: Incoming Audits
The Home Office is planning to up the ante on control measures for sponsors of overseas workers this year. What does this mean for business owners? Expect more audits and inspections to ensure you are meeting your obligations and maintaining accurate reports. To be sure you are on top of your responsibilities and legally compliant it could be worth talking to an immigration lawyer near you. This will give you peace of mind you are prepared for the increased checks.
Sanctions Are Getting Stricter
As a business owner, you have a lot to deal with and it is easy to let things like immigration compliance slip under the net. In 2025 it is vital you pay attention to your obligations as the penalties for not doing so are getting stricter. The Home Office is on a mission to run a tighter ship with regards to immigration and employers responsibilities this year. This includes doubling the amount of time an employer has to wait before applying for a new license if in breach. Waterstone Legal is one of the best immigration law firms in London and can help ensure your sponsorship processes are fully compliant. Book a chat with the team today if you have any questions.
Sponsorships Costs Are Rising
In an attempt to protect workers against work-debt and exploitation, the Home Office is preventing many costs being passed on from the sponsor to the worker. This includes the sponsor license fee and the certificate of sponsorship fee. Both of these will now need to be covered by the employer as from 31st December, 2024. Other costs can also be recouped by you as a business owner, an immigration lawyer can advise you on how to do so. If you do not comply with the new immigration law not only will you incur fixed penalties you can have your sponsorship license revoked. Implying in damaged reputation and workplace disruption.
Electronic Travel Is Open For Business
If you plan on having workers from overseas travel to the UK on behalf of business you will need to brief yourself on the new rules regarding electronic travel. As from 8th January 2025, the Electronic Travel Authorisation is active which will directly impact the way your employee’s will travel to the UK. As an employer it is advised that you inform your workers of these updates. This will help them plan their journeys accordingly and avoid any delays that can impact your business. Bear in mind that the ETA is separate from a visa and does not grant the right to live in and work in the UK. The correct visa must be applied for before your workers travel to ensure compliance and keep the Home Office happy you are following immigration rules.
Salary Thresholds Are Rising
Another key change to the legal landscape of UK immigration law in 2024-2025 is that the salary thresholds for skilled workers is on the up. This reflects the government’s strategy to focus on high-skilled migration and attract more overseas workers for certain industries. You may want to familiarise yourself with these important increases before budgeting for taking on new staff this year. It is worth considering that these changes can also impact existing sponsored workers. There will be new salary rates for specific job codes that affect different businesses. If you are unsure exactly what you will be paying employee’s speak to an immigration lawyer near you for an advice on recruitment budgeting for 2025.
The Wrap Up
This article highlights the key updates to immigration law in 2025. There will be tighter controls on audits and compliance checks. Electronic travel will now take place and sponsorship costs and salary thresholds are rising. While these are some of the changes you need to be aware of, the rules are constantly changing and it is important you are informed and keep your business up to date. This will help you ensure you avoid sanctions and delays that can impact profitability and your workplace.
When Do You Need An Immigration Lawyer
For a clear and thorough understanding of your responsibilities as an employer regarding sponsorship, travel requirements and salaries it is recommended to speak to an immigration lawyer. Every business is unique and a solicitor can give you the time and assistance to get set up for a successful, compliant and thriving future.
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