Visa Sponsorship
The tourism & hospitality sector plays a crucial role in the UK economy but staffing shortages and high vacancy rates have created significant challenges for many businesses. Recruiting international talent through visa sponsorship is a valuable solution to fill essential roles and bring fresh, diverse skills to the industry.
This guide provides an overview of visa sponsorship, answering common questions and offering useful links for further information to help businesses navigate the process of hiring international talent.
Visa Sponsorship: An Overview
Visa sponsorship is a common method for recruiting skilled workers from outside the UK. It can be particularly useful in addressing labour shortages in the tourism & hospitality sector, where international workers can fill essential roles.
Understanding visa sponsorship and immigration laws can be complex, but the links below provide a good starting point. Be sure to check out the case study for advice from an employer.
By understanding these basics, your business can navigate the visa sponsorship process and take full advantage of recruiting global talent.
Frequently Asked Questions: Understanding Visa Sponsorship
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A sponsor license is required for businesses that wish to hire workers from overseas under the Skilled Worker Visa route. Without this license, you cannot sponsor international employees.
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The processing time for a sponsor license application is typically around 8 weeks. However, this can vary depending on the complexity of your application and the documentation provided.
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For most roles, the minimum salary threshold is the 'standard' salary rate of at least £38,700 per year (as of 2024), or the 'going rate' for your job, whichever is higher. This can vary depending on the position and the skill level required.
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If the sponsored worker leaves your employment, you must notify the Home Office immediately. Failure to do so could result in penalties or loss of your sponsor license.
Useful Organisations for Support
A variety of organisations in Scotland provide valuable information and support for employers and employees navigating immigration, visa sponsorship, and employment rights:
Citizens Rights Project
Primarily supporting EU citizens, this organisation provides advice on the transition to e-visas, citizens' rights, and employment. They also offer employer information sessions on navigating these issues. Their goal is to connect European communities with public sector services and government organisations.
Just Right Scotland
A legal organisation that uses the law to defend and extend individual rights. They provide direct legal advice, run helplines and surgeries, and publish legal guides on immigration and employment rights.
UK Government - UK Visa Sponsorship for Employers
The GOV.UK page "UK visa sponsorship for employers" provides guidance for employers on obtaining a sponsor licence to hire workers from outside the UK. It outlines eligibility criteria, application procedures, job suitability requirements, and employer responsibilities.
Right to Work Checks
This guidance explains what employers must do to prevent illegal working in the UK by carrying out right to work checks on people before employing them to make sure they are allowed to work.
HighLife Highland
This charity promotes culture, learning, and leisure and supports migrants through its ESOL services. They help migrants with employability, employment rights, and language skills, which are essential for settling and working in the hospitality sector.
Inspiralba and Bute Advice
These organisations have experience supporting migrants in areas where hospitality is a major employer, offering advice on employment rights and local support.
Citizens Advice Bureaux (CAB)
CABs across Scotland often have expertise in helping migrants understand their employment rights, including immigration-related issues.
Regional Equalities Councils
(GREC, WSREC, CSREC, ELREC): These regional councils offer employability support, one-to-one casework, and can provide advice on immigration and employment-related matters.
Immigration Advice Service - UK Hospitality Worker Visa
Guidance for UK hospitality businesses on hiring overseas workers through the Skilled Worker visa route. This article details sponsor licence requirements, eligible job roles, salary thresholds, and application procedures for both employers and prospective employees.
Scotland's Migration Service
Scotland’s Migration Service is paid for by the Scottish Government. They aim to make it easier for employers to hire international workers and for investors to set up businesses in Scotland.
This organisation helps employers to navigate the UK’s immigration system and how to employ non-UK nationals already living in Scotland. You can book an appointment for one-to-one advice with immigration and asylum law firm called Seraphus.
Top Tips for Employers
Work Flexibility for International Students
Many international students have permission to work a maximum of 20 hours per week. Employers should consider how shifts or work patterns can be adjusted to accommodate this limit while still offering meaningful employment.
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Recognising International Skills and Experience
When making hiring and promotion decisions, consider the valuable skills and experience that workers may have gained outside of the UK. This ensures equitable opportunities and maximises the talent available to your business.
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Fair Work in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry: Case studies
