Fee increases for overseas employees

The UK Government has announced changes to immigration fees that will impact businesses employing overseas workers. These changes are designed to reduce the reliance on taxpayer funding for the migration and border system. If approved by Parliament, the increased fees will apply to a range of immigration and nationality services. 

Key fee increases 

For SMEs sponsoring overseas workers, one of the most significant changes is the proposed rise in the fee for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) on work routes to £525. This fee is payable for each person you sponsor, which could be a substantial additional cost if you rely on international talent. Other fee changes include an increase in the naturalisation fee for British citizenship to £1,605 and adjustments to the cost of other nationality services. 

Changes to Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) rules 

An additional change concerns the ETA fee, which is set to rise to £16. However, there is a temporary exemption for passengers transiting airside through Heathrow and Manchester Airports, meaning they will not require an ETA if they do not pass through UK border control. This exemption will be reviewed in the future. 

What does this mean for your business? 

If you rely on overseas workers, you should factor in these increased costs when planning recruitment and budgeting. Ensure that you are prepared for the financial impact of these changes, particularly if you are onboarding multiple employees from abroad. 

For HR teams, this is also a good time to review your sponsorship processes and compliance with Home Office requirements, as any misstep can lead to costly delays or penalties. 

Our team of experienced business immigration lawyers is here to support SMEs in navigating these changes. We can assist by: 

• Advising on how fee increases will impact your recruitment budget and planning. 

• Reviewing your sponsorship processes to ensure compliance with evolving immigration regulations. 

• Providing tailored guidance on managing the additional costs of Certificates of Sponsorship and other related fees. 

If you have concerns about the upcoming fee increases or need assistance with any aspect of business immigration, contact us today. Our team is ready to help you stay ahead of the changes and keep your business moving forward.