Immigration planning for companies

Though not usually at the forefront of considerations for new start-ups, ensuring that executives and employees have the correct permission to work in the UK is of paramount importance. The possibility that executives might miss a key meeting because they were refused entry by the UK Immigration Service, or that a project could be delayed because employees did not obtain their work permits in time, could spell disaster. A smooth immigration process needs to be planned as carefully as all other issues in a new start-up.

Organisations starting up in the UK typically need:

advice on making advance visits, such as for client research or to locate premises;
advice on applications where the first executive of the UK entity will be the “sole representative”;
help with applications for staff moving to the UK at the start-up stage;
help with subsequent staff transfers once the business is established.

RLegal can advise on all aspects of UK immigration control, saving our clients both time and trouble. Our specialist team ensures that all stages of the process are managed smoothly and efficiently so that your employees are in place where and when you need them.

Why choose RLegal?

The penalties for employing someone in the UK without the proper immigration permission are potentially high. The maximum penalty which a court can impose in relation to each individual illegally employed is currently a fine of £5,000. This fine can be levied against the employer and individual senior managers who are complicit in the offence. Recent government initiatives have given Immigration Officers increased powers to enter and search business premises if they are given reason to believe that there are illegal working practices.

RLegal can take the worry out of employing foreign nationals by vetting the immigration status of existing personnel whilst managing the work permit/immigration application process for new hires or internal transfers.

Our depth of experience coupled with our flexible approach ensures that our immigration solutions are tailored to your needs.

Please contact David Robinson or Evan Remedios on +44 (0)20 7038 3980 or at info@rlegal.com if you would like to discuss your immigration requirements.

DISCLAIMER: The information on this brief guide is correct to the best of our knowledge and belief. However, it is written as a general guide only and it is strongly recommended that specific advice is sought before action is taken.