13 London Road,
London, SE1 6JZ
020 7928 0276
info@lisaslaw.co.uk

News and Insights

On September 26, 2024, the Home Office updated its guidance documents, marking the end of the Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) replacement service. In addition to this, the beginning of October marked the end of BRPs being issued. This move is part of a broader shift towards a fully digital immigration system from 1st January 2025. The decision came without a formal announcement, but details were sent to stakeholders on the same day. Keep reading to learn more about the end of the BRP replacement service.

 

Skilled Worker Visa article

 

Who will the closure of the BRP replacement affect?

 

The closure of the BRP replacement will affect the following cohorts:

 

  • Non-EEA national family members of EEA nationals whose Biometric Residence Card (BRC) has expired
  • People  whose BRP or BRC has been lost or stolen
  • People whose relevant personal details on their BRP or BRC have changed (such as name, gender, nationality, or facial appearance changes significantly)

 

Still necessary to report lost or stolen BRPs

 

While BRC holders already have access to a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account, BRP holders are now required to create one to obtain their digital eVisa. To do this, they can use their passport and the reference number from their most recent visa application. However, it’s still necessary to report any lost or stolen BRPs.

 

The Home Office also notified stakeholders that after October 31, 2024, no new BRPs will be issued, which explains the closure of the BRP replacement service. This has not been officially announced on the government website yet. However, Home Office guidance still advises people with indefinite leave in a passport to apply for a BRP through a No Time Limit (NTL) application, which seems contradictory to the closure of BRP replacement service.

 

How will individuals be able to return to the UK

 

A key concern is how affected individuals, particularly non-visa nationals, will travel and return to the UK until the end of 2024, when current guidance still instructs people to carry their BRP or BRC until the end of the year. It is likely because the integrates passenger information system with airlines is not yet fully operational.

 

The Home Office remains confident that its digital solutions will be effective. It has also set up alternative measures to confirm immigration status, “if for any reason the automated response is not provided–including a 24/7 carrier support hub.’’

 

Why are the Home Office no longer issuing BRPs?

 

BRPs are set to be replaced by a fully digital immigration system in the form of eVisas. We previously covered what an eVisa is and how you can register for one in an earlier article here.

 

You can also view our video explainer demonstrating how to register for an eVisa on the Home Office website here.

 

Our thoughts

 

In summary, the UK is transitioning to a fully digital immigration status system, and these changes mark the beginning of the end for physical BRPs. While the shift may cause some temporary confusion, the Home Office has set up systems to ensure a smooth transition. As the digital immigration system becomes a trend, we recommend that all UK visa residents transfer their BRP/BRC to an e-visa before the end of 2024, and all residents holding UK ILR vignette complete the NTL application as soon as possible.

 

Should you wish to know more information about eVisas, please do not hesitate to contact Lisa’s Law and our experienced solicitors will be happy to assist you.

 

Have questions? Get in touch today!

 

Call us on 020 7928 0276, phone calls are operating as usual and we will be taking calls from 9:30am to 6:00pm.

 

Email us on info@lisaslaw.co.uk.

 

Use the Ask Lisa function on our website. Simply enter your details and leave a message, we will get right back to you: https://lisaslaw.co.uk/ask-question/

 

For more updates, follow us on our social media platforms! You can find them all on our Linktree right here.

author avatar
Sumit Singh

At Lisa’s Law, we recently assisted a client involved in a contractual dispute over the importation of antique luxury watches. The case underscored the complexities of cross-border transactions, especially when dealing with high-value goods, cryptocurrency payments, and overseas counterparties.

 

 

The Dispute: Contracting for Limited-Edition Watches

 

Our client is a luxury watch dealer specialising in rare limited-edition timepieces. Given the nature of the timepieces – many of which were not available on the open market – it was necessary to collaborate with individual specialist middlemen and international sellers. The seller in this instance was an overseas company, and the intermediary handling the transactions was based locally.

 

The initial few transactions between our client and the middleman proceeded smoothly, with payments being made via bank transfer. It was during the heyday of cryptocurrency’s rise, and the parties mutually agreed to switch to cryptocurrency to lower the international wiring costs. Cryptocurrency was also chosen for its speed. For a while, this arrangement worked without issue, and they successfully completed several subsequent transactions.

 

However, problems arose after the first few deals. This time, after our client paid a large sum in cryptocurrency, the contracted watches were not delivered. It also appeared that the overseas seller had no knowledge of the trade. To complicate matters further, it was discovered that our client had contracted an intermediary that switched to using an overseas entity, registered in the Cayman Islands, which bore a similar name to the local intermediary. Although this was stated in the contract definitions, it had been overlooked.

 

The overseas seller denied any knowledge of this latest contract and refused to recognise it. Further complicating matters was the usage of cryptocurrency. While cryptocurrency can be beneficial for cost savings, proved difficult to trace and verify in this dispute. The lack of documentation and the challenge of tracking digital payments added extra complexity to the case.

 

Our client was understandably in a tough spot, facing growing pressure from their own buyers while still waiting for the delivery of these high-value watches. The overseas seller and intermediary seemed to be embroiled in internal conflicts. The delay in delivery stretched on for months, with no clear resolution in sight. Our client had also contracted for onward selling of these pieces and was facing great pressure from their own clients.

 

Resolution and Settlement of Contractual Dispute

 

Based on our extensive experience in handling cross-border disputes, we carefully assessed the legal hurdles our client would likely face if the case went to court. Also, they required the actual watch pieces for their business rather than just compensation. Recognising the complexity of the situation, we proposed to our client to first attempt at negotiating a resolution with both the intermediary and seller, while ensuring that we preserved our client’s right to legal recourse for breach of contract and unjust enrichment, should the negotiations fail.

 

Our team’s commitment to open communication and pragmatic problem-solving enabled us to bridge the gap between the parties and secure a favourable outcome for our client. The intermediary was eager to preserve its business relationship with our client and to protect their own reputation. Our client had to agree to pay a higher sum to the seller, but eventually, the contracted antique watches were delivered.

 

Key Points to Note for Businesses in International Trade

 

Although the case was ultimately settled, the ordeal highlighted several critical risks for businesses engaged in cross-border trade, particularly when dealing with high-value items and modern payment methods like cryptocurrency. While cryptocurrencies offer significant cost savings and efficiency in international transactions, they carry considerable risk when disputes arise. Businesses should weigh the benefits of using cryptocurrency against the difficulty of proving transactions and recovering funds in the event of a dispute.

 

The unnoticed change in the contracting party from a local intermediary to an overseas company with a similar name created significant confusion in the process. Businesses must carefully track the parties involved in contracts, especially when overseas entities are introduced. Cross-border agreements can introduce jurisdictional challenges, making it essential to ensure clarity about who the actual contracting party is and to verify their status regularly.

 

Lastly, for businesses dealing in high-value goods, it is crucial to have clear terms around delivery, payment methods and dispute resolution. In this instance, the rare and irreplaceable nature of the luxury watches made it critical to secure specific performance of the contract. Without detailed contract terms addressing these issues, disputes can quickly spiral out of control, particularly when the goods in question are both rare and expensive.

 

Conclusion

 

Ultimately, this case served as a powerful reminder of how modern payment methods, while convenient, can introduce unexpected complexities. For businesses dealing in high-value goods across borders, it’s crucial to stay vigilant, ensuring that each transaction is well-documented and secure. Businesses in international trade, especially with high-value goods, must stay alert when dealing with overseas entities. It is important to track any changes in contracting parties and ensure all transactions are properly documented and enforceable. As this case highlights, cross-border disputes are complex and can cause serious disruption if not managed properly.

 

(The details of this case, including the names of the companies and the nature of the goods, have been altered to protect confidentiality.)

 

Have questions? Get in touch today!

 

Call us on 020 7928 0276, phone calls are operating as usual and we will be taking calls from 9:30am to 6:00pm.

 

Email us on info@lisaslaw.co.uk.

 

Use the Ask Lisa function on our website. Simply enter your details and leave a message, we will get right back to you: https://lisaslaw.co.uk/ask-question/

 

For more updates, follow us on our social media platforms! You can find them all on our Linktree right here.

author avatar
Sumit Singh

As a mature but relatively low risk property market, the UK has been attractive to many overseas buyers. In most cases, overseas property buyers purchase properties for two purposes: one is to provide accommodation for their children while they study and/or subsequently work in the UK, and the other one is as an investment.

 

Namecard for article - Surveyn in English

 

Compared to many other parts of the world, rental income in the UK is relatively high. The value of the properties has been increasing since the financial crisis of 2008. However, due to different legal and tax landscapes governing the property market, overseas property buyers can face many challenges when buying properties in the UK. This article intends to address some common issues/questions overseas property buyers may have.

 

Funding

 

Unlike domestic buyers, it is more difficult for overseas buyers to obtain mortgages from lenders in the UK, as they are reluctant to accept evidence of overseas income. Although occasionally, overseas buyers may tend to use bridging loans for help, they are of short terms with very high interest rates and therefore very risky.

 

The majority of overseas buyers may have to rely on their own savings or gifts from family members. There must be clear evidence to prove that the cash comes from legitimate sources, otherwise, your conveyancers will not be able to accept it.

 

Transferring cash to the UK can be a challenge in some cases. Although UK laws do not limit how much a person can send funds there, your own country may impose its own transfer limits. As a result, you should look to plan earlier so that it does not delay your transaction.

 

Immigration status and overseas resident surcharge

 

There is no law absolutely banning foreigners from purchasing properties in the UK. In theory, as soon as you have enough funds, you can buy as many properties as you want. Equally, purchasing properties hardly adds any help to a person’s immigration plan to the UK. Further, from 1st April 2021, as an overseas buyer, if you choose to buy properties in England and Northern Ireland, you will have to pay 2% overseas surcharge on top of the standard stamp duty you have to pay.

 

Higher rate stamp duty for additional properties

 

An additional higher rate of 3% on top of the standard stamp duty will have to be paid if  a buyer has already had another property anywhere in the world. Although the law applies to domestic buyers as well, overseas buyers are more likely to be hit, as it is very likely that they would already have had another property in their own country.

 

Off plan purchases and high level of deposit

 

Many developers like to promote off plan purchases to overseas buyers. They normally demand very high deposits, 40% or even more. Such transactions are very risky. From time to time, developers fail to complete the construction of the buildings, due to lack of funds or experience. In the worst scenarios, buyers can fall victims to scams where the developers simply vanish after collecting deposit from buyers. It is therefore very important for overseas buyers to conduct independent check on developers’ trading history, financial status, experience and expertise in delivering such development project. It is also suggested that no more than 10% deposit should be paid before completion.

 

In addition to the above issues, overseas buyers should also be aware that they do not enjoy any income allowance, unlike UK residents. It means that they need to pay at least 20% income tax on any rental income they will receive if they plan to rent their properties out. If they do not plan to rent their properties out, they may have to pay higher council tax in some parts of the UK, as those councils try to discourage people from purchasing additional properties as investment in their areas.

 

Our thoughts

 

In any event, property purchase is an important investment. It is always prudent to make sure that you know the relevant law and make detailed plan before committing yourself to it. Should you need any help, Lisa’s Law will always be available to assist with our experience and expertise.

 

Have questions? Get in touch today!

 

Call us on 020 7928 0276, phone calls are operating as usual and we will be taking calls from 9:30am to 6:00pm.

 

Email us on info@lisaslaw.co.uk.

 

Use the Ask Lisa function on our website. Simply enter your details and leave a message, we will get right back to you: https://lisaslaw.co.uk/ask-question/

 

For more updates, follow us on our social media platforms! You can find them all on our Linktree right here.

author avatar
Sumit Singh

A claimant was recently induced to transfer approximately £2.5 million in cryptocurrency to unknown persons who were posing as a reputable American brokerage firm. However, it turned out to be a scam. With cryptocurrency’s emergence as a new and largely unregulated technology, it has often been used as a way of defrauding individuals. Today, we look at a long-running litigation case in which a victim of cryptocurrency fraud failed in their claim due to being unable to prove that the funds had reached the account he was claiming against.

 

Let’s find out more about the case.

 

Namecard for article - Frankie in English 1

Background

 

The cryptocurrencies were moved through various blockchain wallets in a series of transactions. The claimant alleged that a portion of his cryptocurrencies eventually reached the wallet of Bitkub Online Co. Ltd, a crypto exchange (“Bitkub”). He claimed against Bitkub in unjust enrichment and as a constructive trustee of the misappropriated funds.

 

It was held that the claimant failed to prove that on the balance of probabilities any of his cryptocurrency had reached the relevant wallet on the Bitkub platform. As the claimant failed to establish this factual issue, his claims upon the imposition of a constructive trust and in unjust enrichment were dismissed.

 

Decision

 

The court decided that Tether USDT is a property for the purpose of English law. It is neither a chose in action nor a chose in possession but a different form of property which can be the subject of tracing and can constitute trust property in the same way as other property. This reasoning should also apply to other cryptoassets such as Bitcoin and NFTs.

 

The court considered that a constructive trust could be imposed on Bitkub if the claimant could demonstrate that he could trace the misappropriated cryptocurrency to the wallet of Bitkub and also Bitkub received the assets with knowledge of fraud.

 

The court also confirmed that the defence of bona fide purchase for value without notice is available to the claim for cryptocurrency.

 

Although the claimant failed in this action, this judgment provides a practical guide on a number of important issues relating to cryptocurrency claims.

 

Need litigation assistance? Contact us today. We would be happy to help.

 

Have questions? Get in touch today!

 

Call us on 020 7928 0276, phone calls are operating as usual and we will be taking calls from 9:30am to 6:00pm.

 

Email us on info@lisaslaw.co.uk.

 

Use the Ask Lisa function on our website. Simply enter your details and leave a message, we will get right back to you: https://lisaslaw.co.uk/ask-question/

 

For more updates, follow us on our social media platforms! You can find them all on our Linktree right here.

author avatar
Sumit Singh

Taking on a business premises can be a high financial commitment. When entering a long-term lease with the Landlord, you typically do so with the confidence that your business will thrive and remain stable in the years to come. However, unforeseen circumstances can arise, and the type of lease you sign may put you in a challenging situation. Therefore, it is crucial to consider whether to put your business property lease in your personal name or in your company’s name.

 

Copy of Namecard for article - Fiona Huang in English

 

Pros of entering the lease under a company’s name

 

A limited company has its own legal entity since the first day of its incorporation, which means that the company itself should be responsible for any debts owed by it. No matter you are a director or a shareholder of the company, most of the time you will not be personally responsible for the company’s debts. Put the lease under your company’s name can thus prevent you from being personally responsible for the lease.

 

In addition, if your company has operated for several years with extensive business experience and has previous rental history, the landlord is likely presuming that the company is a reliable tenant. As a result, the process of negotiating the lease with the landlord can be smoother and the landlord may not require a big amount of rent deposits or impose other hefty requirements.

 

Furthermore, tax issues should also be taken into consideration. A company may benefit from several tax reliefs and potentially lower tax rates. Put the lease under the company’s name may well save your money.

 

Cons of entering the lease under a company’s name

 

While it is always ideal to enter a lease under your company’s name, things can get tricky if the company is newly incorporated or it has little or no trading history. In this situation, it is likely that the landlord will demand a substantial rent deposit (often 3-6 months’ worth, but can be more). The landlord may also require you to provide a personal guarantor for the lease. The personal guarantor should normally be in a financial situation which is satisfying to the landlord.

 

For example, an ideal guarantor shall have some fixed assets, have stable revenues and preferable be a UK resident. Since the guarantor’s potential liability can be heavy, it is not easy to find a suitable person acting as a guarantor for you. These requirements are to ensure that the landlord will not suffer too much loss when the tenant’s finance is in problem, which means that it may be difficult to negotiate with the landlord to give up these requirements. If you cannot meet them, you may have to enter the lease under your personal name.

 

In conclusion, leasing business property is a complex decision with potential risks. It is essential to thoroughly understand these risks and weigh your options carefully before committing.

 

Have questions? Get in touch today!

 

Call us on 020 7928 0276, phone calls are operating as usual and we will be taking calls from 9:30am to 6:00pm.

 

Email us on info@lisaslaw.co.uk.

 

Use the Ask Lisa function on our website. Simply enter your details and leave a message, we will get right back to you: https://lisaslaw.co.uk/ask-question/

 

For more updates, follow us on our social media platforms! You can find them all on our Linktree right here.

author avatar
Sumit Singh

Ensuring that employees possess the right to work is vitally important for employers. If employers are found to have employed staff who do not have the right to work, this can have devastating consequences. This includes outcomes ranging from civil penalties, to criminal sanctions.

 

Copy of Namecard for article - Lorraine in English

 

Meanwhile, ensuring tenants have the right to rent is equally important. A landlord could be sent to prison for 5 years or get a fine for renting to someone they knew or had “reasonable cause to believe did not have the right to rent in the UK”.

 

The Home Office has issued new versions of the Employer’s guide to right to work checks and the Landlord’s guide to right to rent checks.

 

Update to employer’s guide

 

  • Reasons why the Home Office recommends businesses to require their contractors and labour providers to carry out right to work checks on those they employ or engage
  • When there is a technical issue beyond the employee’s control such as the production of an incorrect share code or they are temporarily unable to generate a share code, the employer or employee can contact the UKVI Resolution Centre on 03007906268 for help
  • Confirms that indefinite leave to remain endorsements in a current passport will be acceptable proof of right to work
  • Giving more details on the distinction between volunteering and voluntary work, who can undertake each under the conditions of their visas and voluntary fieldwork
  • Confirming that persons with Skilled Worker permission are able to undertake supplementary employment in any of the Standard Occupational Code (SOC) 2020 occupation codes listed in Tables 1 to 3 of Appendix Skilled Occupations of the Immigration Rules (ie any role that is eligible for a new application under the route). This is subject to the additional conditions for supplementary employment.

 

For further details, please see here.

 

Update to landlord’s guide

 

  • Confirming that from 31 October 2024, all new frontier worker applicants will receive a digital identity and not a BRP
  • Landlords who need help carrying out a right to rent check should call the Landlord helpline on 03007906268
  • If tenants need help accessing or using their Home Office online immigration status services, they can contact the UKVI Resolution Centre on 03007906268
  • If a prospective tenant can produce documents from the list, such as a passport (whether current or expired) endorsed to show that the holder is allowed to stay indefinitely in the UK including indefinite leave to remain endorsements in a current passport from a Crown Dependency, they will not require a follow-up check.

 

For further details, please see here.

 

If you have any questions regarding any of the above, please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to help.

 

Have questions? Get in touch today!

 

Call us on 020 7928 0276, phone calls are operating as usual and we will be taking calls from 9:30am to 6:00pm.

 

Email us on info@lisaslaw.co.uk.

 

Use the Ask Lisa function on our website. Simply enter your details and leave a message, we will get right back to you: https://lisaslaw.co.uk/ask-question/

 

For more updates, follow us on our social media platforms! You can find them all on our Linktree right here.

author avatar
Sumit Singh

We take pride in helping our clients protect their business interests on competitive markets like Amazon. This includes helping them with dispute resolution. Recently, we were approached by a client whose product link on Amazon was removed after a competing seller reported their product as infringing on a registered design.

 

 

Both the client’s and the seller’s products were similar, yet had key differences in their design. The competing seller had registered their design prior to our client, leading to a premature takedown.

 

Understanding the critical nature of Amazon sales for our client, we took swift action by issuing letters to both Amazon and the seller. These letters challenged the validity of the report, outlining the differences in design and emphasizing the groundless nature of the complaint.

 

In an impressive turnaround, the seller responded on the same day, agreeing to withdraw their complaint within 24–48 hours. This swift resolution led to Amazon reinstating our client’s ASIN (Amazon Standard Identification Number) within the same time frame. As of today, our client’s product link is fully restored, and they are thrilled with the outcome.

 

Final thoughts

 

This case showcases the effectiveness of quick, decisive legal action in protecting intellectual property rights and ensuring business continuity. Our firm is dedicated to achieving the best possible results for our clients. Whether it’s navigating complex e-commerce disputes or defending your product’s integrity, our firm is here to provide the expertise you need.

 

Have questions? Get in touch today!

 

Call us on 020 7928 0276, phone calls are operating as usual and we will be taking calls from 9:30am to 6:00pm.

 

Email us on info@lisaslaw.co.uk.

 

Use the Ask Lisa function on our website. Simply enter your details and leave a message, we will get right back to you: https://lisaslaw.co.uk/ask-question/

 

For more updates, follow us on our social media platforms! You can find them all on our Linktree right here.

author avatar
Sumit Singh

When buying a home in the UK, it’s important to understand the difference between Property Searches and the Homebuyers Survey, as they serve different purposes.

 

Namecard for article - Stephanie Chow in English

 

The Homebuyers Survey

 

The Homebuyers Survey is a detailed inspection of the property’s general condition and identifies structural problems. The buyer needs to contact a surveyor and arrange for the survey. There are different levels of surveys:

 

1. Level 1: A basic report suitable for newer or well-maintained properties.

2. Level 2: More detailed, suitable for standard properties.

3. Level 3: The most thorough, ideal for older or complex properties needing extensive investigation.

 

Choosing the right level depends on the property’s age, condition, and your concerns or requirements.

 

Property Searches

 

Property Searches are carried out by your solicitor or conveyancer as part of the conveyancing process. The purpose is to uncover any issues that could affect the property’s value or your decision to purchase it. Common searches include:

 

1. Local Authority Search: Information on planning decisions, building regulations, and local developments.

2. Drainage and Water search: Ensures the property is connected to the mains water and sewage systems and provides information on the drainage setup.

3. Environmental Search/ Groundsure Homebuyers: Checks for flood risks, contaminated land, or other environmental issues.

4. Chancel Repair Search: Determines whether the property is subject to an ancient legal liability for repairs to the local church’s chancel.

 

Instead of carrying out property searches, you can get a ‘no search indemnity’ to protect your interests. However, the best way to protect yourself is still to conduct the searches. A ‘no search indemnity’ covers any issues that would have shown up in searches and protects you financially. People might choose this option to save on the cost of searches or if they’re short on time during the property transaction process.

 

Should I carry out the homebuyers survey and property searches?

 

It is advisable to carry out both the Homebuyer Survey and Property Searches when buying a home. Here’s why:

 

  • Comprehensive Understanding: Combining the insights from both the survey and searches gives you a full picture of the property’s condition and any potential legal or environmental issues.
  • Negotiation Leverage: The information from both can be used in negotiations with the seller or to adjust your offer based on identified issues.
  • Risk Mitigation: You reduce the risk of unforeseen problems that could arise after purchase, providing greater protection and peace of mind.

 

While it may involve additional costs, investing in both the Homebuyer Survey and Property Searches is usually worth it to ensure that you’re fully informed about the property you’re buying and can make a well-rounded decision.

 

Summary

 

mortgage table

 

Have questions? Get in touch today!

 

Call us on 020 7928 0276, phone calls are operating as usual and we will be taking calls from 9:30am to 6:00pm.

 

Email us on info@lisaslaw.co.uk.

 

Use the Ask Lisa function on our website. Simply enter your details and leave a message, we will get right back to you: https://lisaslaw.co.uk/ask-question/

 

For more updates, follow us on our social media platforms! You can find them all on our Linktree right here.

author avatar
Sumit Singh

A manager of a restaurant in Herefordshire has recently been banned as a company director for five years after employing two illegal workers. The case highlights the penalties which employers face for illegal employment.

 

Skilled Worker Visa article

 

Background

 

Masoom Khan, who is a manager of an Indian restaurant in Herefordshire, hired two individuals for his restaurant. However, they did not have the right to work in the UK and were found during an Immigration Enforcement raid in June 2021. It was discovered that Khan had hired them without checking that they had the right to work in the UK, breaking the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.

 

The company was fined £20,000 and subsequently entered liquidation in December 2021 with liabilities exceeding £73,000. The Insolvency Service has disqualified Khan. The disqualification, effective from 17 September 2024, prohibits Khan from involvement in company promotion, formation, or management until September 2029.

 

For employers, such severe penalties are undoubtedly disastrous. UK governments have recently made a concerted effort to crack down on illegal work, with enforcement arrests more than doubling in the past year and fines rocketing. What happened to Khan underlines the importance of legal employment and compliant hiring procedures for UK employers.

 

How can employers avoid this happening ?

 

The high fines and strict penalties would simply lead a lot of employers to go bankrupt. So, how can employers play by the rules to avoid this happening?

 

Right to Work Check

 

Employers in the UK have a legal obligation to take Right to Work checks to verify that all of their employees have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom.

 

Firstly, employers should check the original physical documents provided by the employee or use digital verification systems provided by the Home Office to confirm an individual’s right to work. Furthermore, employers should require employees to provide a share code and their date of birth to verify their right to work through the Home Office’s online service. Where an individual’s documents are held by the Home Office or during an immigration application, employers should also use the Home Office Employer Checking Service to request official confirmation of the right to work.

 

Employers are under a duty to conduct proper checks to all potential employees and stay informed of the right to work status of their current employees.

 

By carrying out Right to Work checks in the correct manner, employers should be able to rely on a statutory defence against allegations of compliance breaches, where they can demonstrate they have taken consistent and compliant measures to ensure they are only hiring individuals with permission to work in the UK.

 

Sponsor licence

 

Faced with a shortage of local labour, many employers are putting their hopes on the global labour market. In order to employ foreign nationals who are not settled in the UK, however, employers must apply to the Home Office for a sponsor licence.

 

A sponsor licence is the formal authorisation granted by the Home Office to a UK organisation, allowing them to sponsor non-UK nationals under certain work visa routes. Once the employer has obtained a Sponsor Licence from the Home Office, they can issue Certificates of Sponsorship to potential employees to enable them to apply for a work visa in the UK. To obtain a sponsor licence, employers should submit an application to the Home Office to evidence their eligibility and prove that they meet the immigration compliance requirements.

 

The Sponsor Licence ensures that businesses remain compliant with UK immigration laws, avoiding penalties for hiring foreign workers. In addition, being a licensed employer (also known as a ‘sponsor’) can be an advantage when recruiting, further enabling businesses to bring highly skilled workers from overseas.

 

Our thoughts

 

Immigration law and requirements have been changing rapidly and it is harder than ever for employers to keep up with the latest changes and steer clear of illegal employment. Lisa’s Law Immigration team is experienced in assisting in such matters and will advise you on the latest requirements and guide you throughout the process.

 

Should you wish to know more information about immigration law, please do not hesitate to contact Lisa’s Law and our experienced solicitors will be happy to assist you.

 

Have questions? Get in touch today!

 

Call us on 020 7928 0276, phone calls are operating as usual and we will be taking calls from 9:30am to 6:00pm.

 

Email us on info@lisaslaw.co.uk.

 

Use the Ask Lisa function on our website. Simply enter your details and leave a message, we will get right back to you: https://lisaslaw.co.uk/ask-question/

 

For more updates, follow us on our social media platforms! You can find them all on our Linktree right here.

author avatar
Sumit Singh

The landscape of UK immigration laws is constantly evolving, and businesses must stay informed to ensure compliance and avoid costly penalties. Recent changes to work visa requirements, employer responsibilities, and penalties for illegal employment have significant implications for small businesses.

 

With this in mind, please join us on Friday 27th September for a talk given by our Solicitor, Peggy Lim, about Work Visa Updates in the UK.

 

Webinar Poster - Peggy 1

 

By attending this event, you will gain valuable knowledge about these changes, as well as practical tips on how to manage your workforce in line with the latest legal standards. The webinar offers an excellent opportunity to hear directly from an immigration expert, get clarity on complex rules, and ask questions specific to your business situation.

 

Peggy will cover a range of topics including:

 

  • Work Visa Salary Increase
  • New Employer Sponsorship Rules
  • How to Check Worker Identity
  • Consequences of Hiring Illegal Workers
  • Key Points for Small Business Owners
  • Handling Civil Penalties for Illegal Labor
  • Open Q&A – Ask Anything!

 

At the end of the talk, there will also be a live Q&A session where you will be able to ask Peggy questions directly.

 

Register now to grab your spot!

 

Have questions? Get in touch today!

 

Call us on 020 7928 0276, phone calls are operating as usual and we will be taking calls from 9:30am to 6:00pm.

 

Email us on info@lisaslaw.co.uk.

 

Use the Ask Lisa function on our website. Simply enter your details and leave a message, we will get right back to you: https://lisaslaw.co.uk/ask-question/

 

For more updates, follow us on our social media platforms! You can find them all on our Linktree right here.busi

author avatar
Sumit Singh

We post weekly articles covering a variety of topics, including immigration, property, and more, so be sure to check in regularly.

Contact us if you have any legal questions, and don’t forget to subscribe to our weekly newsletter for the latest updates!

Subscribe to our newsletter

Feel free to contact us for a consultation and to find out how we can help.