World Immigration News

Business immigration update: Spring 2025

Release Date: 2025-04-07
Media: Womble Bond Dickinson
Summary: Several significant changes to the UK's immigration system will take effect from April 9, 2025:

Immigration Fees Increase: Most visa application fees will rise by 5-10%. The Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) fee for Skilled Worker and other specific visa routes will increase by nearly 120%, from £239 to £525. The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) fee will also rise from £10 to £16, and sponsor licence application fees will increase for both large and small sponsors.

Changes to Immigration Rules: The minimum salary threshold for Skilled Workers (including those on discounted rates such as health and care workers) will rise from £23,200 to £25,000. Employers must also meet this threshold after deductions for payments to the sponsor. Additionally, care providers in England must first attempt to hire a displaced care worker from within the UK before recruiting internationally.

Right to Work Checks for Gig Economy Employers: Employers in the gig economy (e.g., couriers, food delivery, etc.) will be required to conduct right to work checks for all workers they employ. Fines for non-compliance could reach £45,000 for the first offence and £60,000 for repeat violations.

Increased Immigration Enforcement: The government has deported over 24,000 people with no right to remain in the UK, marking the highest return rate in eight years. An independent survey revealed that many employers are unaware of proper right to work checks, posing a compliance risk.

These changes are expected to place more administrative burdens on businesses, particularly smaller ones, and require strict adherence to immigration regulations.
Tags: UK

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