This is a follow-up to our previous blog Rights Of Frontier Workers In The UK: New Guidance Released, which discussed the impending ‘Frontier Work Permit’ – which has now arrived.
A ‘frontier worker’ is someone who lives in the EU, EEA or Switzerland, and who travels to work in the UK.
What is the purpose of the visa?
The Frontier Work Permit allows nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein to continue coming to the UK to work, whilst their residence remains elsewhere. It is worth noting that Irish citizens are not required to apply for a Frontier Work Permit, but can do so if they choose.
Who is eligible and what are the requirements?
To be eligible, an applicant must:
- Live outside the UK;
- Have worked in the UK by 31 December 2020;
- Be a national of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein;
- Have kept working in the UK at least once every 12 months since the date the applicant commenced working in the UK.
Successful applicants will be able to work, rent property and access benefits and services (including the NHS) in the UK so long as they meet the relevant requirements.
Is there an application fee?
There is no fee to apply for the Frontier Worker Permit. However, in limited circumstances, an applicant may be required to pay a fee to submit their biometric information.
When can applications be made?
The scheme opened last week, so applications can now be made online.
Is there a deadline to apply?
As mentioned above, to be eligible, applicants must have commenced work in the UK before 31 December 2020. From 1 July 2021, frontier workers travelling to the UK will require a Frontier Work Permit in order to enter the UK. Until this date, frontier workers can travel into the UK on their passport or national identity card.
Frontier workers entering the UK for the first time after 31 December 2020
Frontier workers who do not commence work in the UK before 31 December 2020 will be required to apply for a visa before entering the UK after 31 December 2020. Please contact us for specific details of the visa route which may be available to you.
Gherson has a wealth of experience in dealing with all UK visa and immigration matters. If you have any specific questions or queries in respect of your particular circumstances, please do not hesitate to contact us, send us an e-mail, or alternatively, follow us on Twitter 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 don’t 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 2020