Immigration and your business

Business immigration rules now mean that any enterprise that uses migrant workers must comply with all of the current regulations, including the new points system. The New UK Border Agency that is part of the Home Office now looks after all business immigration matters.

The new points-based system enables business immigration to take place, but only those citizens who are allowed to work in the UK can legally enter the country to do so. Note that the points-based system only applies to immigration by citizens outside of the EEA (European Economic Area) and Switzerland. Business immigration will mean your enterprise will need to become the sponsor to all the workers you employ in the UK.

If your business uses migrant workers you must comply with all the current immigration laws. If you fail to do so, you could face a fine of up to £10,000. If you knowingly employ anyone that does not have the right to work in the UK, you could face an unlimited fine and a prison sentence.

Under the current business immigration laws it is your business’s responsibility to check that every migrant worker you employ has the legal right to work in Britain. Your business should check the identity cards of anyone that now has one. The identity card system is being phased in, so you should still carry out your usual document check of foreign national you want to employ.

If your business is accused of employing illegal immigrants, the services of a specialist immigration solicitor is essential. With the recent changes to the UK immigration system, interpreting immigration law should not be handled by your business. As the penalties for employing illegal immigrants can be very high, having legal representation at every stage of your case is vitally important. Working with your solicitor can give your business the best chance of wining your case.

If you would like to obtain legal advice about employing overseas workers, Contact Law can put you in touch with a local specialist immigration solicitor free of charge. So, if you have any questions or would like our help in finding local immigration solicitors please call us on 0800 433 4846 or complete the web-form above.