What Is a Sponsorship Compliance Mock Audit?
If you are a business or organisation employing workers from overseas, then you must ensure you are meeting all your immigration obligations otherwise you could be risking your repetition and facing severe criminal charges.
At IAS we offer a Sponsorship Compliance Mock Audit service that is invaluable in helping you comply with workplace laws. Our experienced team can highlight any potential problems and ensure you are ready for an official visit from the Home Office. Call IAS on +44 (0)333 414 9244 to book an audit.
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Benefits of Choosing IAS for Your Sponsor Licence Needs
Our dedicated UK corporate immigration lawyers deliver our services through a comprehensive and personalised approach suited to fit each business client that we work with.
We can assist you in getting a UK Sponsor Licence, generating a certificate of sponsorship, and applying for a work visa for your employee. Whether this is your first application, your initial application was refused, or you were found to not be compliant in the past, we can help.
With a successful track record, IAS eases the process for you so you can focus on other parts of your business. Here are more things you enjoy by working with us:
Our lawyers will assess your Sponsor Licence case 1-1 to understand its unique aspects.
We provide customised guidance for Sponsor Licence applications to increase chances of approval.
We assist with maintaining compliance with the UK government’s rules for employing overseas workers.
Our team offers detailed assistance in making any critical changes to the sponsor management system.
Services we Provide
Why Do I Need a Sponsorship Compliance Mock Audit?
Anyone holding a Sponsor Licence is required to keep up-to-date records of all workers and students. This includes conducting Right to Work checks, ensuring copies of overseas workers’ immigration documents (such as visas) are retained, and maintaining up-to-date contact details for all sponsored workers.
Failure to comply with UK immigration law could result in civil penalties of up to £20,000 per illegal worker. For more severe breaches, such as knowingly employing illegal workers, criminal penalties may apply, including unlimited fines and up to five years imprisonment. With government plans to increase such penalties in the near future and growing evidence that more companies are facing charges, it is more important than ever to ensure you are ready.
What Does a Sponsorship Compliance Mock Audit Involve?
Our tailored service will carry out a full audit of your records of foreign workers to check that you are retaining the correct information and meeting your legal obligations. Involving a full day on-site, the IAS team will provide advice on how to improve your record-keeping as well as guidance on ensuring you report relevant worker changes to the Home Office.
The mock compliance audit is crucial in highlighting gaps in any processes and employment practices, especially considering recent changes introduced post-Brexit. Our audit team can also give advice on annual Right to Work checks and whether you are meeting the rules surrounding filling vacancies with overseas workers and minimum income requirements.
When Do I Need a Sponsorship Compliance Mock Audit?
Sponsorship Licence holders are encouraged to conduct periodic compliance audits, such as every three years, to proactively ensure their practices align with immigration laws, although these audits are not mandatory. In particular, mock audits are especially beneficial for organisations that have recently been granted or are renewing a Sponsor Licence.
Certain industries are also encouraged to make sure they have robust procedures in place to ensure compliance. In particular, businesses in sectors such as hospitality, construction, agriculture, and food services are at higher risk of receiving compliance visits from Immigration Officials and should be prepared.
A mock compliance audit is a key way of helping your business follow Home Office regulations and remove the risk of financial or reputation loss.
How Can IAS Help?
Reach out to IAS to find out more about our bespoke Sponsorship Compliance Mock Audit and how are expert team can help employers be prepared for a visit by the Home Office or UK Visas and Immigration.
With an increase in businesses facing fines because of not meeting their obligations as a Sponsor Licence holder, it is more important than ever then you are confident your current processes are up-to-date and compliant.
To find out about the mock immigration compliance audit and business compliance immigration services we provide, and for more advice on immigration compliance, sponsor duties, and the impact of employing illegal workers call IAS on +44 (0)333 414 9244.
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Legal Disclaimer
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Immigration Advice Service before making any decisions based on the content provided.
Frequently Asked Questions
Immigration compliance applies to all employers in the UK, not just those currently have Sponsor Licenses.
The role of an immigration officer includes checking nationality documents and visas of overseas workers at passport control areas, targeting gangs and criminals supporting illegal immigration and tracking foreign national offenders.
Under Schedule 2 of the Immigration Act 1971, immigration officers have the authority to search, locate, arrest and detain illegal migrant workers and immigration offenders. They also interview workers to assess if they are entitled to work in the UK.
During a compliance visit, the Home Office will check your business’s HR and recruitment process. They will want to ensure that you are following standard bookkeeping practices, and are maintaining migrant worker records, to assess whether your business is operating lawfully within the UK. The Home Office may also want to visit if you are applying for a Sponsor License or if specific concerns have been raised.
During a visit from the Home Office, your business will be assessed on five areas of compliance – identification, prevention, monitoring and detection, resolution, and advisory. If there are concerns regarding your business’s ability to meet compliance obligations, your Sponsor License may be placed on a short-term sponsorship and your organisation will be monitored, or the business may have its sponsorship suspended, or revoked.
If you are interested in employing foreign workers in the UK, you will need to apply for a Sponsor License. The process can take up to eight weeks, and involves conducting background checks and medical exams. Sponsor Licenses are valid for four years and can be used to sponsor any number of overseas workers.
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