UK businesses need to understand and follow immigration laws more than ever, especially after Brexit. With the end of free movement for EU nationals, employers who want to hire non-UK workers must comply with the Home Office rules. Failure to do so can result in serious penalties, including fines, business closure, and loss of the Sponsor Licence.
What Is a Sponsor Licence?
To employ a non-EEA national, businesses must apply for a Tier 2 Sponsor Licence. This license allows businesses to issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to workers who need a visa to live and work in the UK. The Home Office checks several factors when deciding whether to grant a sponsor license, including:
- Whether the business is genuine and operates lawfully in the UK.
- If the company has the correct planning permission (if required).
- The company’s reliability and trustworthiness.
- The company’s ability to comply with sponsor duties.
One of the biggest challenges for employers is meeting the compliance requirements of the sponsor license. Businesses must make sure they have the right systems in place to stay compliant.
Why Is Compliance So Important?
Failure to comply with the Home Office’s Sponsor Licence rules can lead to severe consequences, including:
- Fines of up to £20,000 for each illegal worker employed.
- Criminal charges, including up to 5 years in prison and unlimited fines for knowingly hiring someone without the right to work in the UK.
- Downgrading, suspension, or revocation of your Sponsor Licence. If this happens, you won’t be able to hire foreign workers, and your current workers may need to leave the UK.
What Are the Sponsor Licence Duties?
Once a business gets a Sponsor Licence, it must comply with various duties, including:
- Monitoring immigration status and ensuring no illegal employment.
- Maintaining accurate records of employee details.
- Reporting any changes in the employee’s circumstances (e.g., job changes, address updates).
- Ensuring compliance with employment and tax laws.
- Cooperating with the Home Office during inspections and audits.
The best way to ensure compliance is by working with an Immigration expert who can guide you through the process and make sure you meet all requirements.
How Law and Visas Can Help Your Business Stay Compliant
At Law and Visas, our legal experts have years of experience helping businesses apply for and maintain Sponsor Licences. Whether you’re applying for the first time or need help after a license has been suspended or revoked, we are here to assist. We have a track record of successfully helping clients, such as Amisoft Technologies Ltd, regain their Sponsor Licence after it was suspended.
Our services include:
- Pre-application audits: We visit your business to review your HR systems and ensure everything is in order before you apply for a Sponsor Licence.
- Ongoing compliance support: We provide training and conduct regular audits to make sure you remain compliant, reducing the risk of penalties from the Home Office.
- Key Personnel services: We can manage your Sponsor Licence system, guide you through the Right to Work and Resident Labour Market Tests, and ensure your records are fully up-to-date.
By partnering with Law and Visas, you can avoid common compliance pitfalls and protect your business from costly fines and penalties.
As UK businesses navigate the post-Brexit immigration landscape, staying compliant with Sponsor Licence rules is essential. Non-compliance can lead to severe penalties that can harm your business. To ensure you meet all legal requirements and keep your Sponsor Licence active, contact Law and Visas for expert legal advice and support.
How Law and Visas Can Help?
At Law and Visas, our team of expert immigration consultants is here to make your travel process straightforward and successful. Whether you’re applying for a Business Visa, Immigrant Investor Visa, or navigating Immigration Laws, we handle every step—from preparing your application to gathering the required documents.
Our immigration lawyer consultants and Lawyers ensure that your application meets the highest standards, with no details missed. We’ll also keep you informed throughout the process, coordinating with the immigration office or embassy on your behalf.
Law and Visas has a strong record of helping clients navigate immigration laws and secure the visas and permits they need for international travel. Call us today at +234 812 5505 986 to learn how we can assist you.
