Changes to the Work Permit Scheme
The government has announced that the Work Permit Scheme will be replaced by Tier 2 (General and Intra Company Transfers) of the Points Based System in the autumn of 2008. Employers will be required to act as Sponsors for their non-EEA national employees and, under the Points Based System they will have a number of duties and obligations that must be complied with.
As from 29th February 2008, employers can apply for a licence in order to be able to issue Certificates of Sponsorship to employees when Tier 2 (General and Intra Company Transfers) comes into effect. Certificates of Sponsorship will effectively replace the Work Permit paper document. Employers will only be able to issue Certificates of Sponsorship if they are on the Sponsor Register.
There are a number of circumstances where a licence can be refused or revoked. Importantly, if a licence is refused or revoked, an employer will/ may be prevented from employing a non-EEA national. Therefore, it is important that you obtain up-to-date advice on applying for a licence and what it will mean to be on the Sponsor Register with the Home Office. We can also assist you in preparing an application for a licence.
We are unable to provide any further information as yet about how the criteria for Work Permits will change.