Immigration Digest: The Latest Update For Employers

As lockdown restrictions ease in some countries and extend in others, Mauve Group summarises all the latest immigration news for employers worldwide.

The rise of a new Delta variant has caused extensive disruption across the globe. Despite many anticipating a return to the office, a mutation of the coronavirus lead societies worldwide back to their all-too-familiar lockdown bubbles. But with other nations unaffected by the new variant, the road back to normality remains a disparity between countries.

Staying on top of the latest immigration laws and regulations can be challenging with the unpredictable nature of a pandemic. To simplify the process, we have summarised all the latest immigration information every employer should consider when hiring abroad.

United Kingdom – Final Applications for EU Settlement Scheme

Following our recent news update on the EU Settlement Scheme, the deadline for applications is drawing to a close. After 30th June 2021, all applications will be declined.

The EU Settlement Scheme applies to EU, EEA, or Switzerland citizens currently living in the UK. To remain in the country legally, these individuals must apply for the scheme.

Once the applicant is successful, they will receive either settled or pre-settled status to determine the scope of their entitled benefits. EU nationals, who have lived in the UK for at least five years by the end of 2020, will be granted settled status.

Today is your last day to apply – for more information on the EU Settlement Scheme, please click here.

European Union – The Brand New COVID-19 Travel Pass

On 9th June 2021, the European Parliament announced a new COVID-19 Certificate that will enable individuals to travel between EU states without the need for quarantine or coronavirus tests.

Following the complexities caused by EU countries implementing different regulations around travel, the European Parliament came to an agreement on uniting these regulations in the form of a COVID-19 Certificate.

From 1st July 2021, all 27 EU states will accept the COVID-19 Certificate. They will certify that a foreign national has either received both vaccinations against the virus, has recently tested negative or recovered from coronavirus.

A QR code is displayed on the certificate with advanced security features, ensuring that personal data cannot be shared with other countries.

Netherlands – The New Residence Permit

The Netherlands has recently launched its Essential Start-Up Personnel permit, allowing start-up organisations to sponsor non-EU foreign nationals.

The permit intends to attract highly skilled foreign professionals seeking work for innovative start-up organisations in the Netherlands. The country hopes it will provide a competitive advantage in the widespread search for global talent and strengthen its labour force.

Under the new program, start-up companies must have 15 employees or less and cannot hire over five non-EU nationals. The foreign national must obtain a local employment contract, meet the compulsory salary requirements, and receive 1% of stocks or shares of the company.

United Arab Emirates – ICA Suspends Issuance of Emirates IDs

The UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) has recently suspended the issuance of Emirates IDs.

The Emirates ID allows residents of the UAE to access government services, banking services, and residential utility services. The ICA has suspended its issuance based on the transition to a new version of the Emirates ID.

During the transition, residents must download the ID as an e-version until the new physical ID becomes available.

Currently, there is no confirmation on the launch of the new Emirates IDs; however, the ICA has assured all residents that the digital version is equally valid for the same services. UAE residents are advised to download the electronic ID via the ICA UAE Smart app immediately.

United Kingdom – New Update on Right to Work Checks

Since March 2020, employers have been permitted to complete their right to work checks virtually, preventing the spread of coronavirus in an office environment.

The Home Office has now confirmed this concession will end on 31st August 2021. From 1st September 2021, employers must conduct right to work checks as they would prior to the outbreak of COVID-19 – meaning employers should review their internal processes to anticipate the usual standard of Right to Work check processes.

Scanned and digital copies of original documents will no longer be accepted and will not constitute a defence against enforcement action. Employers must receive the physical document in its original form unless using the Home Office’s online checking service.

The online Right to Work checking service is available in respect of those who hold a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or who have been granted status under the EU Settlement Scheme or points-based immigration system.

Failure to complete right to work checks may result in serious ramifications and penalties.

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