Wind Farm Workers – Extended Period to Join UK Workforce for non-EEA Nationals

In 2017, the Home Secretary introduced a concession to the Immigration Rules to allow the employment of non-European Economic Area (EEA) nationals who are joining vessels engaged in the construction and maintenance of offshore wind projects in UK territorial waters.

The Home Office has just announced that this concession has been extended, with workers now having leave to enter under the terms of the concession until 31 December 2020.

The terms of the concession are as followed:

1. The Home Office has agreed to grant a concession, outside of the Immigration Rules, to workers essential to the construction and maintenance of wind farms within UK territorial waters.

2. The concession will allow non-EEA workers leave to enter the UK until 31 December 2020 for the purpose of joining a vessel engaged in the construction and maintenance of a wind farm within UK territorial waters. (Remember, EEA nationals do not require leave to enter the UK.)

3. Leave to enter under the terms of the concession will not be granted beyond 31 December 2020. During this period, firms involved in the construction or maintenance of wind farms within territorial waters should look to regularise the position of their workers. Those who require leave to enter the UK should have the appropriate permission to do so under the Immigration Rules, such as applying for Tier 2 visas.

4. In order to qualify for entry under this concession and satisfy border security, a person seeking entry for this purpose should produce:

1. A valid passport.
2. Home Office fees.
3. A letter from their employer stating that the worker is employed in the construction or maintenance of a wind farm project within territorial waters.

5. Applicants who require a visa should apply online for a visitor in transit visa and select the option, when prompted, “to start work on a ship or aircraft”.

Please do not hesitate to get in contact with us if you require more information, our experienced legal team will be able to guide you through the process step by step should you be interested in applying.

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