Lawyer Monthly - December 2023

Navigating UK Corporate Immigration with Joanne Taylor, Partner at Magrath Sheldrick LLP WWW.LAWYER-MONTHLY.COM 15 related to skill level, English language proficiency, and salary. There are also other categories, such as Global Business Mobility and Global Talent for individuals who are leading or a potential leader in academia, arts and culture or technology. Has UK immigration law become stricter in recent years and if so, how has this impacted business looking to hire migrants? The general view is that the UK immigration law has become stricter in recent years, especially with the end of the free movement of people between the UK and the European Union (EU) due to Brexit, EU nationals became subject to the same immigration rules as non-EU nationals. This shift impacted the ease with which EU nationals could work and reside in the UK. Businesses that rely on lower-skilled and lower-paid workers from the EU, such as in agriculture, hospitality, construction and social care, face significant challenges in filling vacancies and retaining staff. They may have Can you provide an overview of the current UK immigration rules regarding entering the UK for business purposes? The Business Visitor route is designed for individuals intending to visit the UK for short periods for specific businessrelated activities. This could include attending meetings, conferences, training sessions, negotiating contracts, and other similar activities. Business visitors are typically allowed to stay in the UK for up to six months, but the exact duration may vary based on the specific purpose of the visit. It’s important to note that the Business Visitor route does not permit individuals to undertake employment or engage in activities that would typically require a work visa. For work-related activities, individuals are required to apply for the appropriate work visa. Individuals who wish to work in the UK can be sponsored under the Skilled Worker category. The Skilled Worker route is a key component of the pointsbased system. To qualify for this visa, individuals must have a job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsorship license and meet specific criteria Joanne Taylor is a Partner in the UK Immigration team at Magrath Sheldrick LLP. She focuses on Business Immigration and provides strategic and practical advice for those navigating the complex UK Immigration rules. Magrath Sheldrick LLP is a well-established law firm based in the United Kingdom, specialising in Immigration and Employment law. The firm has a strong reputation for providing highquality legal services and is recognized for its expertise in assisting individuals and businesses with their immigration needs. The firm’s commitment to client-focused solutions and attention to detail has contributed to its standing as a leading immigration law practice.

RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mjk3Mzkz