In February 2008 the UK introduced a strict new Points Based System of managed migration. The UK Borders Agency (UKBA) now requires non EEA migrants wishing to work in the UK to obtain sufficient ‘points' to qualify for Entry Clearance.

Employers will now need to obtain a Licence, and be entered on a publicly available Register of Sponsors BEFORE they can legally sponsor and employ a migrant worker from outside the EEA.

There is no business that employs migrant workers that will not be affected by the major changes and no employer can afford to lose time in preparing for the changes, or to ignore the impact of the new system on their business.

If an employer does not have a Licence, it will not lawfully be able to Sponsor or employ new non-EEA migrant workers, and may not be able to continue to employ existing migrants. Tough new laws on Illegal Working now in force, mean that an employer can be subject to a Civil Penalty fine of up to £10,000 per illegal worker and possible criminal prosecution.

The web pages in this section will help guide you through the new requirements for Employers.