The UK extends temporary adjusted right to work checks on migrant workers

There are companies that employ foreign workers. They are required to check if their employee has a right to work in the UK.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Home Office has made significant adjustments to the procedure. In addition, an online right to work checking service has been allowed, which makes it easier for employers to report. Now it was announced that the new procedure has been extended until 1 September 2021.

Temporary adjustments:

• checks can currently be carried out over video calls;
• it is possible to send scanned documents or a photo of documents for checks by email, without sending originals;
• an employer should use the Home Office right to work online service to clarify the employment status of their employees in controversial and complicated cases.

It is important to remember that all foreign workers, including those who work from home, must undergo right to work checks in the UK. Citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area and Switzerland will be subject to immigration control from 30 June 2021.

Retrospective checks

Another good news for employers is that they do not have to carry out retrospective checks. In other words, they will not have to re-check foreign employees who had a COVID-19 adjusted check.

Previously, the Home Office was going to make employers re-check information after the quarantine. The timeframe was eight weeks. Later it has been decided that online checks carried out between 30 March 2020 and 1 September 2021 are enough if they are carried out correctly.

Since electronic document management is a standard procedure, it is expected that checks will be carried out remotely in the future.

If you have questions about working and living in the UK, please contact us. Our specialists at Imperial & Legal will evaluate your situation, give advice and if it is necessary, they will help you go through all the necessary procedures.