A number of changes to immigration laws are coming into force on 6 April 2014.

Change to Penalties for Employing An Illegal Worker

  • From 6 April 2014, the maximum civil penalty for employing an unauthorised migrant worker will double to £20,000. The increased penalty will apply to employers who continually breach the prevention of illegal working rules.

Visa Application Fees

  • The Government has proposed a list of fee changes for visas, immigration, nationality applications and premium services which will apply from 6 April 2014.
  • The cost of a Certificate of Sponsorship will remain at £184. However, Tier 2 (General) and Tier 2 (Intra Company Transfer) fees will increase. Employers should consult the Home Office website for the current rates.
  • There is a very significant increase to application fees for Tier 2 dependants.

Tier Two: Changes to Job Codes and Minimum Salary Levels

  • The minimum salary levels required for employees to be eligible for sponsorship for some roles under Tier 2 will change on 6 April 2014. Employers planning to sponsor employees after that date should check the new Codes of Practice to ensure that the new requirements are met.
  • Employers should consider assigning any Restricted Certificate of Sponsorship granted already by 5 April 2014. If the Certificate is not assigned by this date, the salary for the role must meet the new revised rates.
  • Some Job Codes (or Standard Occupation Classification Codes) will also change on 6 April.

Migrant Health Levy – April 2015

  • Following a consultation process, it has been confirmed that a migrant health levy of £220 will be imposed with effect from April 2015. This will apply to non-EEA migrants, including those who have a Tier 2 visa.
  • This fee will provide migrants with access to the NHS. It is currently proposed that the initial charge will be paid at the time of the visa application.
  • With effect from April 2015, visitors to the UK (including business visitors) will be required to have medical insurance in place to cover the cost of emergency treatment.

© MacRoberts 2014

Disclaimer

The material contained in this article is of the nature of general comment only and does not give advice on any particular matter. Recipients should not act on the basis of the information in this e-update without taking appropriate professional advice upon their own particular circumstances.