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Visa sponsorship
28 November 2024
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Home Office
At a Glance
Issue Summary
The Home Office is addressing abuse of the visa sponsorship system by unscrupulous employers and implementing measures to protect workers.
Action Requested
The government will introduce legislation for the Fair Work Agency, extend Action Plans from 3 months to up to 12 months, impose longer cooling off periods on repeat offenders, require businesses to cover the costs of certificates of sponsorship themselves, and ensure robust action against employers who breach employment laws or visa rules.
Key Facts
- The government will deliver legislation for the Fair Work Agency.
- Businesses found guilty of serious employment law breaches may have their visa sponsorship licences refused or revoked.
- Rules to end inappropriate charges from workers by businesses seeking to recruit internationally will apply first to the Skilled Worker route and be in force by the end of 2023.
- Current rules impose Action Plans on businesses for only 3 months, but this will be extended to up to 12 months.
- Revoked businesses face a cooling off period of more than just 12 months if they repeatedly flout visa rules or commit serious immigration breaches.
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