If you are a UK-based business owner and want to grow your business, you will need new talent and new ideas. In this case, you will need to hire migrant workers from all over the world. Their talents and skills can go a long way in helping your business grow faster than ever before. Talent itself is essential for a business to mark its presence in the industry. However, in order to hire skilled international workers, it is necessary to obtain a sponsor licence first. This licence allows you to put migrant workers on board for your business in the United Kingdom. This licence comes with significant responsibilities and duties. The UK Home Office is really strict about sponsor licencing complying with their rules. Failure to fulfil one’s responsibilities as a sponsor and to comply with UK immigration laws can be a significant reason for a sponsor’s licence to be revoked. Once you have obtained this licence, obtaining sponsor licence guidance from solicitors in London is important.
Their expertise and knowledge can help you avoid several causes of sponsor licence revocation. Here in this comprehensive guide, we have mentioned several aspects that can lead to licence revocation and also some tips to avoid such situations. Let’s dig in and get to know about this essential piece of information.
An Overview of Sponsor Licence Revocation
Before we go any further, it is important that you must understand the term “revocation”. Well, it is evident that to hire migrant workers for your UK company, you must obtain a sponsor licence first. The UK Home Office uses timed audit visits to ensure you are not misleading them and failing to comply with your sponsor duties. During these compliance visits, if any discrepancies are found with your sponsor’s services, your licence may be revoked or suspended. Revocation means you lose all rights to hire overseas. It can significantly affect your overall business activity and reputation. Having sponsor licence guidance on this issue is essential to avoid the potential licence revocation. It is advisable to seek professional help from solicitors in London for this.
Several Factors That Can Cause Sponsor Licence Revocation
Here in this section, we have mentioned some of the factors that can be a key factor in getting your licence revoked. These are essential for any licence to avoid such dangerous situations.
- The first and foremost reason for the revocation of the licence is failure to fulfil your sponsor duties and remain in compliance with UK visa and immigration laws. You should update the sponsor management system in a timely manner with all necessary changes in your business and expatriate staff. Keep the employee directory informed of all vital information, such as their historical address and contact information.
- The UK Home Office is quite strict about illegal immigration. It is important for licensees to verify that migrant workers are entitled to work in the United Kingdom. This step should be done at the beginning of the project prior to onboarding. Suspension of the right-to-work test may result in the suspension or revocation of the license. Perspective is important before you hire a foreign worker for your UK company.
- Failing to keep records of your migrant workers can also put you in a tough spot and result in licence revocation. You need to keep a copy of their passbooks, know their immigration status and include their contact details along with their past contact details and residential address. The Home Office compliance officer may ask you about this information during the audit. It is, therefore, advisable to establish all the details from the beginning of the referral.
- If it is determined that you are not paying your international workers appropriately, the Home Office may or will revoke your licence. Minimum wages need to be paid as per UK visa and immigration requirements. In addition, you are responsible for notifying the Home Office via the Sponsor Management System of any reductions in staff pay and job duties.
- Your sponsor migrant worker’s failure to make daily attendance may also result in the sponsor’s licence being revoked. You should manage biometric check-in and check-out systems to track employees’ working hours and daily commute. If you find that the migrant worker has not been working for more than ten days, you must notify the Home Office. In such a case, you must terminate your sponsorship.
- Failure to seek professional assistance is also a key reason for revocation of the licence. If you are a new licence holder, it is important to make sure you understand all the terms behind this licence. First, it can be a challenge to understand all the legal issues associated with this patent. That’s why it’s important to consider seeking professional advice. There are many law firms in the United Kingdom, such as A Y & J Solicitors. Their team of experienced and knowledgeable solicitors can not only inform you of your sponsor duties but can prepare you for a compliance visit.
In conclusion, it can be concluded that the suspension of a sponsor licence can have significant consequences for businesses that rely on migrant workers. Reasons for suspension and immediate measures to ensure compliance are important steps in safeguarding the ability of foreign entrepreneurs to contribute. Potential contractors should seek legal advice immediately to explore all possible solutions. Lack of knowledge, lack of compliance, not having a strong HR team, not keeping records, and not doing proper duties of your sponsor are some of the main reasons for suspension or suspension of your licence. Professional guidance from experienced solicitors in London and advice to comply with your obligations. If you do not remain compliant, you should designate key staff from your company to liaise with the Home Office and visit them during compliance visits.
