You are a UK-based business that is in search of qualified employees from abroad, and with the help of a trustworthy recruitment agency it is very possible. Overseas recruitment companies will introduce you to the very best international talent and they also help vacancieseekers contact UK companies who will sponsor their visa. But with so many agencies to pick from, which one is right for you?
We will tell you in this article about what is a good recruitment agency and provide you with the best UK recruitment agencies to hire overseas workers.
What Is A Good Recruitment Agency For Foreign Jobs?
Whether you are an employer or a job seeker, the right recruitment agency can make all the difference. These are the four things you should look for when searching for a recruiter agency:
Expert Knowledge
An experienced agency should know recruitment and visa laws very well. They should be familiar with the Right to Work legislation and be able to advise employers and applicants on visa applications. They also have to know how to send job offers to bring in overseas talent.
Proactive Approach
An early warning recruiter doesn’t sit around and let things go, it works to correct them as soon as they do. This can be time and frustration-saving for hiring.
Positive Attitude
It is difficult to hire workers from abroad but a successful agency will never give up and not quit.
Understanding Your Business Goals
A great recruiter will take the time to understand your business objectives and how the right hires can help meet them. This means they’ll be more invested in finding the perfect candidate and will go the extra mile to help you succeed.
Top 9 UK Recruitment Agencies for Hiring Foreign Workers
Here are 9 of the top UK recruitment agencies that specialize in helping businesses hire skilled workers from abroad:
- Michael Page
With expertise across 25 sectors, Michael Page helps UK employers find candidates for permanent, contract, or temporary roles. They work with companies of all sizes, from small businesses to multinational corporations, and support sectors like finance, banking, and healthcare. - Hays
Hays is one of the UK’s largest recruitment agencies, known for their global reach and expertise in finding skilled professionals for various industries. They specialize in both commercial and public sectors, offering recruitment for permanent, contract, and temporary roles. - The Flame Lily
Specializing in healthcare recruitment, The Flame Lily works with both the NHS and private healthcare providers to find qualified professionals. They have a strong focus on international hiring, particularly for doctors, nurses, and IT specialists. - MCK Global Recruitment
MCK Global connects UK employers with overseas talent, helping to fill skills gaps in sectors like logistics, IT, and finance. They offer relocation assistance, ensuring a smooth transition for international candidates. - Pearls International
Pearls International focuses on recruiting healthcare professionals, working with both the NHS and private healthcare providers in the UK. They help bridge the skills gap in healthcare by hiring workers from abroad. - Airswift
Airswift is a specialist agency in technology and engineering recruitment. They work with UK employers to find skilled workers from around the world, offering country-specific hiring advice and support. - Impellam Group
Impellam Group is a large recruitment agency that works across many sectors, offering both permanent and contract recruitment services. They also provide a specialized service to help Ukrainian nationals find work in the UK. - REED
With over 350 offices worldwide, REED offers a range of recruitment services, including IT and HR consultancy. They specialize in permanent, contract, and temporary positions across multiple sectors and have been operating since 1960. - Skills Provision
Skills Provision connects international job seekers with UK employers, focusing on remote work and European job opportunities. They specialize in a wide range of sectors and help both job seekers and employers find the best match.
How to Hire Overseas Workers Using a Recruitment Agency
To hire workers from outside the UK, including from the EU, you’ll need a UK sponsor license. The recruitment agency can assist with finding the right candidates, but as an employer, you’ll need to apply for the license first. Here’s how you can do that:
How to Get a UK Visa Sponsor Licence:
- Submit an Online Application
To apply for a sponsor license, you need to submit an online application to the UK Home Office, providing supporting documents to show you’re eligible to sponsor a worker’s visa. - Required Documents
You’ll need to provide documents such as:- Bank statements for your business
- Proof of VAT registration
- Evidence of your HMRC employer registration
- Proof of business premises (e.g., lease agreement)
- Audited financial statements (if applicable)
- HR Compliance
The Home Office may also request additional documents to assess your HR operations and whether your business complies with UK immigration rules. A visit from the Home Office may also take place to check if your business meets sponsor requirements.
Once your sponsor license is approved, you can begin hiring overseas workers. However, it’s important to remember that sponsorship is a privilege, not a right. If you fail to comply with the rules, your license could be downgraded or revoked.
Need Help with Your Sponsor Licence Application?
If you’re a UK employer looking to hire foreign workers, get in touch with Law and Visas. We can guide you through the sponsor license application process and help you navigate the complexities of recruiting international talent. Our expert advice will increase your chances of success, whether you’re hiring for a small business or a large corporation.
