How to hire a foreign employee in the UK?

The UK, as one of the leading economic powers, attracts many skilled foreign professionals. This is due to the variety of opportunities that the country offers in the labor market. But in order to hire foreign employees, it is necessary to know the main aspects and conditions of this process. Among the requirements a UK company faces when seeking to employ a person from another country is the Sponsorship Licence for employers.

Benefits of hiring foreign employees for UK companies

Hiring expatriates in the UK can be a highly beneficial solution for companies looking to diversify their teams and increase their competitiveness. Attracting talent from different countries not only helps to close possible skills gaps caused by a limited local labor market, but also encourages innovative ideas in business processes.

Bringing in foreign employees promotes cultural diversity in the team, which in turn can improve communication with international clients and partners and open up new markets. In addition, foreign employees can bring unique knowledge and practical skills related to their cultural and professional backgrounds, which contributes to innovation and technological breakthroughs.

The social aspect of the impact of expatriate workers should not be underestimated. They bring with them new cultural perceptions, which helps the entire team to better understand global trends and needs. This can be particularly valuable for companies operating internationally.

Incorporating foreign talent into the workforce can significantly strengthen the competitive position of UK companies in the global marketplace, improving innovation and broadening the horizons of the overall business.

Obtaining Sponsor Licence

In order to employ a foreign employee, a company must first apply for a Sponsorship Licence. This is a key condition that confirms that the organization has the right to bring in employees from outside the UK.

To obtain this licence, an organization must always first demonstrate its reliability and ability to comply with all the necessary requirements that are set by the UK government:

• The company must prove that it is a real and working business registered in the UK.
• The company will be required to submit various documents to prove that the organization is real and has sufficient resources to sponsor foreign employees.
• The company must prove its financial stability and ability to support the foreign workers. This is important to confirm the company’s willingness to assume responsibility for the costs associated with hiring a foreign employee.
• The company should have no serious labor law violations in its history.
• The company should be prepared to take on the responsibilities associated with managing the immigration of employees, including tracking their status, verifying their documents and reporting any changes to the authorities.

Main Types of Vsas for Foreigners

The UK migration legislation provides for many types of visas to enable the employment of foreign professionals.

Skilled Worker Visa

This category of visa is for skilled workers who have been offered a job in the UK. The employer must prove that the position for which the job is offered meets a certain level of qualification.

In order to qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, there are several key requirements that must be met:

1. The job to which the professional is invited must meet or exceed a certain level of qualifications, which is usually A-level or above. There is also a minimum salary requirement which must be in line with the standard salary for the position.
2. Applicants must demonstrate a minimum B1 level of English language proficiency according to the Joint European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

The Skilled Worker Visa is usually granted for up to five years, after which you can apply for an extension. After five years of residence in the UK on this visa you can apply for permanent residence.

The Global Business Mobility Visas

This category is for the short-term transfer to the UK of employees of an international company. It includes several types of visas designed for specific purposes and scenarios for the transfer of employees of international companies:

• Senior or Specialist Worker visa. This type of visa is for those moving to the UK to work for their company in a position that requires significant experience or specialised knowledge. It is usually for employees in key or highly specialised positions.
• Graduate Trainee visa. This visa is for young professionals who are participating in an internship program with an international company to learn and gain experience in a managerial role or specialisation that requires additional training.
• UK Expansion Worker visa. This type of visa is for employees of companies who are traveling to the UK to establish a branch or subsidiary of their overseas employer.
• Secondment Worker visa. This visa is granted to employees of a company who are temporarily relocating to the UK to fulfill a specific contract or cooperation agreement between companies. This visa is often used in cases where specific experience or specialisation is required for a particular assignment.
• Service Supplier visa. Designed for employees of overseas companies who travel to the UK to provide services as part of a contract between their employer and a UK company. This type of visa implies a short-term stay to carry out a specific job or project in the UK.

Temporary Worker Visas

A sub-category of temporary visas that allows foreign nationals to come to the UK to carry out specific temporary work, for example as part of an international cultural exchange or charity work.

There are several sub-categories within this category, including the International Agreement visa. This type of visa is for those coming to the UK for work that is covered by international laws and agreements including. Such work may include:

• Working under international agreements, such as serving overseas governments or diplomatic posts.
• Representing a private employer from overseas in the UK.
• Certain types of cultural exchange.

A residence permit is usually granted for the period necessary to perform the work envisaged, but not exceeding 24 months, depending on the details of the agreement.

Conclusion

By hiring employees from countries outside the UK, your business will not only be able to find unique talent from around the world, but will also greatly expand its horizons and opportunities for growth. Remember that successful and legal employment of foreigners in the UK requires strict adherence to immigration legislation and starts with obtaining a Sponsor Licence. That is why a key step on your path to international employment is to contact qualified migration lawyers. They will not only help you with explaining all the details of the process, but also provide support at every stage of obtaining the necessary documents and licences. This will allow you to avoid potential legal complications and make the process of hiring foreign employees as smooth and efficient as possible. Don’t miss the opportunity to complete your team with unique personnel who will help your business reach new heights!