As the UK prepares to move towards a fully digital immigration system by 2025, it is vital that employers adapt to new regulations in order to continue being compliant. An important upcoming milestone is the expiry of all Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) on 31 December 2024.
Employers must take several steps to ensure a seamless transition to the digital immigration system and maintain uninterrupted operations:
- Update Right-to-Work Checks: Audit current right-to-work documents to identify any that list the BRP expiration date of 31 December 2024. It is critical to switch to digital verifications where necessary to reflect the correct visa expiration dates.
- Inform and Train Staff:
- Employee Awareness: Make sure that employees understand the shift to a digital visa system and encourage them to inform HR when they receive their new digital status.
- Travel Guidelines: Advise employees to keep their physical BRP until the end of 2024 when traveling internationally. Although digital visas should be accepted upon re-entry to the UK, the physical BRP can prevent travel delays.
- HR Training: Equip HR teams with the necessary tools and knowledge to perform digital right-to-work checks effectively.
- Prepare for New Entry Requirements: With the upcoming introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for certain non-EU nationals, it is essential for employers to brief international guests from overseas branches about this change to avoid complications.
Taking proactive measures to address these changes not only ensures compliance with immigration laws, but also supports international employees through significant transitions, enhancing the employer’s reputation as a responsible and proactive workplace.
By actively engaging with the new system and ensuring that all stakeholders are equipped with up-to-date knowledge, employers can facilitate a smooth transition to the digital immigration framework and continue to support their international workforce efficiently.
How Gherson can assist
Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.
The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.
©Gherson 2024