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The post-Brexit right to work check grace period for EU citizens – is it really that helpful?
Marcia Longdon
The government’s plans for the entertainment and creative sectors have been light on detail, but with the terms of the new immigration system slowly being expanded on, the potential implications of the end of the transitional period following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU are a bit clearer.
Tier 5 together with the permitted paid engagement visitor route have been the well-trodden paths for non-EEA nationals to enter the UK to take part in creative and sporting events.
It appears that the permitted paid engagement visitor route will continue, and may well become the most common route for entertainers, artists and sportspersons coming to the UK from the EEA after 31 December.
As part of the government’s substantial changes to the immigration system, the Tier 5 route is to be replaced by a number of categories, including the ‘Creative route’. Some of the proposed changes appear to be encouraging but any gains could well be offset by the increased administrative burden of having to resolve immigration issues for EEA nationals. The government has stated that it will “continue to work with the creative sector to reform and simplify the offer for creatives coming to the UK on short-term trips”, and we hope to see improvements to support the ease of entry to the UK.
As many Tier 5 sponsors will be aware, there are a number of inflexibilities in the current system that can cause administrative difficulties - such as having to issue multiple Certificates of Sponsorship for non-visa nationals who do not apply for entry clearance, and the limit on the time that an individual can enter without applying for a visa. It is these kinds of issues that the UK government will need to consider.
The upcoming changes will require that entertainment, creative and sporting organisations pause to consider potential immigration issues before organising an event with EEA nationals after 31 December – after a period of economic uncertainty, further obstacles will be the last thing the sector will need.
If you wish to discuss any issues raised above or any other immigration matter, please do not hesitate to contact our immigration team.
Robert has extensive experience of assisting individuals wishing to relocate to the UK with their immigration and nationality matters. His experience covers all kinds of immigration and nationality applications but with a particular emphasis on corporate immigration matters, helping high net worth individuals and partners of British citizens or those with indefinite leave to remain.
We welcome views and opinions about the issues raised in this blog. Should you require specific advice in relation to personal circumstances, please use the form on the contact page.
Marcia Longdon
Marcia Longdon
Nicolas Rollason
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