The UK government has announced changes aimed at easing the process for local businesses to hire foreign workers. Effective 6 April, 2024, there will no longer be a requirement to renew sponsor licences every four years, bringing relief to businesses sponsoring skilled workers from abroad.
Previously, businesses had to undergo a long process of renewing licences every four years, which incurred fees and administrative burdens. However, under the new system, existing sponsor licence expiring on or after April 2024 will be automatically extended by ten years. This means, sponsors holding valid licences within this timeframe will not need to take any action as their licences will be automatically covered by the extension.
The Home Office will also refund application fees for sponsors who have already initiated the renewal process. Sponsors can verify their licence-expiration date through the online sponsorship management system (SMS).
Meanwhile, the UK government has introduced measures to raise the costs associated with hiring overseas personnel. This includes increasing the salary requirement for individuals seeking working visas to £38,700, up from the earlier £26,000.
The UK government aims to reduce net annual immigration by 3,00,000 and has imposed additional restrictions on overseas care workers, including limitations on bringing family dependents and terminating the salary discount for workers on the shortage occupation list.
