As the world becomes increasingly globalized, businesses are looking to expand their talent pool beyond their local markets. Hiring overseas workers can provide a wealth of benefits, including access to a larger talent pool, cost savings, and the ability to operate in different time zones. However, the process of hiring overseas workers can be complex, particularly when it comes to obtaining a Temporary Worker Sponsor Licence. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to navigate this process successfully.
Understanding the Temporary Worker Sponsor Licence
The Temporary Worker Sponsor Licence is a type of visa sponsorship that allows UK businesses to employ non-European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals for specific roles. This licence is part of the UK’s points-based immigration system and is essential for businesses looking to hire overseas workers on a temporary basis.
Types of Temporary Worker Sponsor Licences
There are five types of Temporary Worker Sponsor Licences, each designed for different categories of workers. These include:
- Creative and Sporting – for individuals who have been offered work as a sports person or creative artist.
- Charity Workers – for individuals who have been offered an unpaid role within a charitable organization.
- Religious Workers – for individuals who have been offered work within a religious community.
- Government Authorized Exchange – for individuals who have been offered a position as part of a government-approved exchange program.
- International Agreement – for individuals who have been offered work that is covered by international law.
Applying for a Temporary Worker Sponsor Licence
The process of applying for a Temporary Worker Sponsor Licence involves several steps. These include:
- Checking your eligibility: Before you can apply for a licence, you need to ensure that your business is eligible. This includes having no unspent criminal convictions for immigration offences or other serious crimes, and having appropriate systems in place to manage your sponsored employees.
- Choosing the type of licence: As mentioned above, there are five types of Temporary Worker Sponsor Licences. You need to choose the one that is most appropriate for the role you are offering.
- Completing the application form: The application form for a Temporary Worker Sponsor Licence can be found on the UK government’s website. It requires detailed information about your business and the role you are offering.
- Paying the fee: The fee for a Temporary Worker Sponsor Licence depends on the size of your business and the type of licence you are applying for. It can range from £536 to £1,476.
- Providing supporting documents: You will need to provide a range of supporting documents as part of your application. These include proof of your business’s registration, evidence of your eligibility, and details of the role you are offering.
Managing Your Sponsored Workers
Once you have obtained your Temporary Worker Sponsor Licence, you will be given a rating by the UK government. This rating will be either A (trusted) or B (probationary), and will reflect your ability to meet your sponsorship duties.
As a sponsor, you will have a number of responsibilities. These include:
- Keeping records of your sponsored employees, including their contact details, the terms of their employment, and their immigration status.
- Reporting any changes in your sponsored employees’ circumstances to the UK government.
- Ensuring that your sponsored employees have the necessary skills and qualifications for their role.
- Ensuring that your sponsored employees are paid at least the minimum wage for their role.
Brand Given to Group of Workers Temporary
In some cases, a brand given to a group of workers temporary can also apply for a Temporary Worker Sponsor Licence. This is particularly common in the creative and sporting sectors, where a group of individuals may be brought together for a specific project or event. In these cases, the brand or group will need to meet the same eligibility criteria and responsibilities as an individual sponsor.
Conclusion
Obtaining a Temporary Worker Sponsor Licence can be a complex process, but it is essential for businesses looking to hire overseas workers on a temporary basis. By understanding the different types of licences, the application process, and your responsibilities as a sponsor, you can ensure that your business is able to access the global talent pool effectively and legally.
