Sponsorship Licence - for UK Employers
What is a Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence?
A Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence is a licence that gives UK employers the permission to hire migrant workers from countries or regions outside of the UK. In other words, this licence allows UK employers to hire migrant workers legally. A valid sponsor licence is required for a UK organisation that is employing non-UK resident employees, including EU nationals entering the UK from 1st January 2021. UK firms must get the appropriate sponsorship licence from UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI).
Why do companies need a Sponsor Licence?
To fulfil talent acquiring needs
If a UK employer wants to hire any non-British nationals (except people who already had a settlement or got an Indefinite Leave to Remain), the employer needs to have a valid sponsor licence. With a sponsor licence, organizations are able to fulfil their talent recruiting needs not only by recruiting from the domestic talent pool, but also the global talent pool. They will be able to acquire talents that can best fulfil their business needs.
For example, if you are running an Indian restaurant, but you cannot find an expert Chef who can cook Indian food in the domestic UK talent market. By securing a sponsor licence, you can recruit a qualified chef from outside of the UK.
To avoid penalty
Employing a foreign worker without a valid sponsor licence might result in fines of up to £20,000 per unlawful worker, criminal charges, & reputational harm to your business. In addition, you may also be barred from hiring migrant employees forever by the UKVI.
What are the advantages of having a skilled worker licence as an employer?
Access to the global talent pool
With a sponsor licence, your organisation can have a broader option to recruit talents from the globe. You can hire people from anywhere as long as it meets the Skilled Worker eligibility requirement. In addition, you can fulfil vacancies that are in the eligible Skilled Worker Route occupation code. To fill in UK skills gaps, an employer can recruit the right talent/skilled professional to work for them.
Long term and committed employees
Having a sponsor licence gives you permission to sponsor a skilled worker. Skilled workers who come to work in the UK under your sponsorship are less likely to change jobs frequently.
Employers who have had experience in recruiting migrant workers using a sponsor license state that a sponsored worker remains committed for a long time which ultimately drives business growth.
Promote the diversity of your organisation
Having a licence enables an organisation to hire different nationalities from different cultural backgrounds, this will show the cultural diversity of your company and inclusion. Many companies consider diversity and inclusion to be good company culture and value; this is also excellent for a company’s brand image. This also attracts talents to work for your organisation environment. Moreover, a diverse workforce in your organisation will help your company in discovering and expanding into new markets and regions.
Remain competitive in the industry
Having a sponsor licence can ensure that your organisation is at an advantage compared to other company’s who do not have a sponsor license. This is because talented and skilled applicants often check the list of licenced sponsors before applying for a job.
How we can help
At LBA Global Partners Ltd, we have a dedicated team to assist you in your sponsorship application process.
We work in collaboration with a regulated solicitor firm in the UK.
Our specialist lawyer has more than 15 years of experience in dealing with work permit - sponsorship licences management & business immigration services.
We will:
