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As we have reported earlier (see Workpermit.com newsletter Volume 2, Number1 from November 2003), from 13 November 2003 all work permit holders andother individuals who wish to remain in the UK for more than six months mustobtain entry clearance before travelling. A grace period of two months hadbeen allowed so that employers could inform their work permit holders ofthis new regulation.
The UK Home Office has announced that their Highly SkilledMigrant Programme (HSMP) application processing Teamcurrently has a backlog of applications to consider due to asignificant increase in the number of applications received.The Home Office is apparently reviewing the situation and anumber of measures are being implemented in order to returnprocessing times back to normal.
To enable the HSMP Team to efficiently continue to processexisting applications, the Home Office has asked applicantsand their representative to refrain from contacting them withrequests for updates.
Work permit application fees, currently £95 for the 'main scheme' and £74 for the Sector Based Scheme (for unskilled workers in the hotel, catering, and food processing inductries) are set to rise in June 2004 to £155-£180 per application. Association Football clubs face far steeper cost increases to £1000 in appeal cases.
The British Nationality (Fees) Regulations approved by Parliament in December 2003 came into effect on 1 January of this year.
The new table of fees for certain British nationality applications is as follows:
Work Permits (UK) today announced that until further notice, employers who lodge an application under the Sectors Based Scheme (SBS) will no longer be required to advertise the positions thorugh EURES, the European Union's Employment Service. They have announced this change as coming about due to a communication problem. Further information will be provided once announced.
If you are an employer or have a job offer on the occupation list call us on (0)20 7842 0800 to speak with a UK Consultant about theservices we offer in reference to the SBS scheme.
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