Brexit – New Immigration System from 1 January 2021

We are receiving questions from clients outside of the UK

We are receiving questions from clients outside of the UK, concerned about the effect of employing non-UK residents in the UK from 1 January 2021, when the 2 year transition period for the UK to leave the EU comes to an end.

EEA and Swiss citizens moving to the UK to work from 1 January 2021, will need to apply for a visa in advance through a new points-based immigration system.

The new system will not apply to EEA or Swiss citizens you already employ in the UK. EEA and Swiss citizens living in the UK by 31 December 2020, and their family members, can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme. They have until 30 June 2021 to apply.

For further information: https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families

EU EEA and Swiss citizens applying for a skilled worker visa will need to show they have a job offer from an approved employer sponsor to be able to apply. If you are an employer planning to sponsor skilled migrants from 2021, and are not currently an approved sponsor, you should consider becoming approved. If your application is successful your sponsor licence will be valid for a period of 4 years, as long as you continue to meet your responsibilities as a sponsor.

For further information: https://www.gov.uk/uk-visa-sponsorship-employers/your-responsibilities

For further information: https://www.gov.uk/uk-visa-sponsorship-employers

There are details online, updated daily by HMRC, to explain the processes for new arrivals to the UK from 1 January 2021. For further information: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-immigration-system-what-you-need-to-know

If you need further advice please contact us.

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