Have a question?
033 3772 0409

Legal News

LCCI calls for simplification of Work Visa rules (24 July 2015)

Date: 24/07/2015
Duncan Lewis, Legal News Solicitors, LCCI calls for simplification of Work Visa rules

The London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LLCI) has recently published a report which suggests that the current visa system does not work for London businesses and threatens to delay economic recovery.

In a report recently published by the LLCI entitles “Worlds Apart: Making the immigration system work for London businesses” the current visa system works against London businesses and is thwarting economic recovery.

According to the report for the last three successive quarters, more than half of London’s businesses seeking recruitment struggled to find the skilled staff they required, and firms are turning to recruit overseas workers.

The report seems to expel myths that the London labour market is flooded with migrant workers. New research conducted for LCCI found that only 33% of the capital’s firms employ non-UK workers, with only 16% of employers employing workers from outside the EEA.

The LCCI’s recommendations for the Government to change the current visa system include;

• simplify work visa rules - there are at least 13 different routes for work visas for non-EEA migrants; in comparison there are four routes for visitors. The system is so complex that many firms seek expensive legal advice simply to fill out forms, to ensure they comply with the rules of the system.

• approve and license third party sponsors as this could reduce costs and the administrative burden on small businesses. A Certificate of Sponsorship typically costs £2,000 per employee and tailored support from the Home Office costs £8,000. Reform Resident Labour Market Test - businesses currently have to advertise roles through JobCentre Plus, even if it's not relevant to advertise vacancies through this method. Instead, businesses should be required to advertise roles in two relevant publications for 28 days.

• address the arbitrary cap on numbers - the Government should review the cap on the numbers of staff that can be recruited in certain areas and consider introducing regional variations, as London businesses are more likely to require international skilled staff than other areas of the UK.

• task the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to review the Shortage Occupation List and consider introducing regional variations where there are pronounced shortages of specific skills.

Click here to view the ‘Worlds apart – Making the immigration system work for London businesses’ survey report.

Duncan Lewis Immigration Solicitors

Duncan Lewis immigration solicitors can advise migrants from the EU and non-EU countries on a wide range of immigration matters, including student visas, entrepreneur visas and five-year work permits.
Duncan Lewis is also able to advise on:

• Asylum and asylum appeals
• Fast-track detention
• Human Rights Act
• Illegal entry to the UK
• Marriage in the UK
• Right to work in the UK
• Visa overstayers.

For expert legal advice on UK immigration law, call Duncan Lewis immigration solicitors on 020 7275 2036.

Call us now on 033 3772 0409 or click here to send online enquiry.
Duncan Lewis is the trading name of Duncan Lewis (Solicitors) Limited. Registered Office is Spencer House, 29 Grove Hill Road, Harrow, HA1 3BN. Company Reg. No. 3718422. VAT Reg. No. 718729013. A list of the company's Directors is displayed at the registered offices address. Authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority . Offices all across London and in major cities in the UK. ©Duncan Lewis >>Legal Disclaimer, Copyright & Privacy Policy. Duncan Lewis do not accept service by email.