New visa rules ‘create door to global manufacturing talent’ claim
31 May 2022
Two newly introduced work permit routes could help allow employees of overseas businesses to work in the UK manufacturing sector, claims an immigration expert.
Thomas Mayhew, senior associate at lawyers Fragomen LLP, cited the Global Mobility Service Supplier and the Global Mobility Secondment Worker routes as avenues that could ease the effects of restrictive regulations.
The two will allow employees and contractors from overseas companies to work in the UK to help UK manufacturers deliver contract requirements, he stated. This could overcome the problem many manufacturers faced with sponsorship licence arrangements that require overseas workers to have an employment relationship with the UK company concerned.
Mayhew explained that the Global Mobility Service Supplier route “opens the door” for UK manufacturers to bring into the UK workers from international businesses to help fulfil contract requirements for services that are covered by an international trade agreement, such as the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
“Helpfully, this route does not require the employee to have any current employment relationship with the UK company. Its definition of contract requirements is suitably broad and is likely to apply to a wide range of roles.
"UK manufacturers benefit from a streamlined contract registration and sponsorship process under the revamped Global Mobility route,” argued Mayhew.
The Global Mobility Secondment Worker route is more restrictive, he added, but allowed UK manufacturers to sponsor an individual to come to the UK to help deliver high-value contracts – defined by the Government as those valued in excess of £50 million.
“However, there is no requirement for the services to be covered by a trade agreement under this route. Again, this route will allow overseas individuals to work in the UK even if they have no connection to the UK employer.”
Pic: vintasupplyco@pexels.com
