Visa Sponsorship: What Employees Need to Know

The tourism and hospitality sector is a vital part of the UK economy, but many businesses are facing staffing shortages and high vacancy rates. As a result, there is a growing need for international workers to help fill essential roles. If you're looking to work in the UK tourism and hospitality industry, understanding how visa sponsorship works can open doors to new opportunities.

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This guide explains visa sponsorship, answers common questions, and offers helpful resources to assist you in navigating the immigration process and securing employment.

What is Visa Sponsorship?

Visa sponsorship is a process that allows UK employers to hire skilled workers from outside the UK. If you are an international job seeker, being sponsored by a UK employer under the Skilled Worker Visa route can give you the chance to work in the tourism and hospitality sector.

While the process can be complex, it’s a pathway for international employees to bring their skills and experience to the UK and fill in-demand positions. Below are some key resources that can help you better understand the process.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • A sponsor license is a certification that a UK employer must have in order to hire workers from outside the UK. If you are looking for employment in the UK through a Skilled Worker Visa, your potential employer must hold this license.

  • Once your employer applies for a sponsor license, it typically takes about 8 weeks for the Home Office to process the application. However, the timeline can vary, depending on factors like documentation and the complexity of the application.

  • To qualify for a Skilled Worker Visa, the salary offered by your employer must meet a minimum threshold. Details on the minimum threshold amounts can be found on the government website.

  • If you leave the job for which you were sponsored, your employer must inform the Home Office. You will need to find another employer who is willing to sponsor your visa if you want to continue working in the UK.

Resources and Tips

Working in the UK as an international employee can be a rewarding experience, but it’s important to be well-informed about visa regulations and your rights. Use the resources provided to stay updated and consider seeking legal advice if you're unsure about your situation.

Useful Organisations for Support

Useful Organisations for Support

A variety of organisations in Scotland provide valuable information and support for employers and employees navigating immigration, visa sponsorship, and employment rights:

  • The "Work in Scotland" page on Scotland.org offers comprehensive information for individuals considering employment in Scotland. It covers topics such as job opportunities, visa and immigration requirements, workplace rights, and benefits, providing guidance for those interested in pursuing a career in Scotland.

    Visit: https://www.scotland.org/work

    The “Scotland’s Migration Page” provides information for migrants and help with moving to or settling in Scotland

    https://www.scotland.org/move-to-scotland/migration-service

  • Primarily supporting EU citizens, this organisation provides advice on the transition to e-visas, citizens' rights, and employment. They also offer employer information sessions on navigating these issues. Their goal is to connect European communities with public sector services and government organisations.

    Visit Citizens Rights Project

  • CABs across Scotland often have expertise in helping migrants understand their employment rights, including immigration-related issues.

    visit Citizens Advice Bureaux (CAB)

  • A legal organisation that uses the law to defend and extend individual rights. They provide direct legal advice, run helplines and surgeries, and publish legal guides on immigration and employment rights.

    Visit Just Right Scotland

  • Universal Credit is a payment to help with your living costs.

    You may be able to get it if you’re on a low income, out of work or you cannot work.

    Find more information about Universal Credit here: https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit

  • The Worker Support Centre(WSC) works to ensure workers are treated with respect and dignity and to prevent labour abuse and exploitation. 

    WSC provide direct support, advice, and advocacy to workers, and we engage in worker-led policy change activities. 

    Information provided by WSC might be especially relevant for those undertaking seasonal work and migrant workers.

  • This charity promotes culture, learning, and leisure and supports migrants through its ESOL services. They help migrants with employability, employment rights, and language skills, which are essential for settling and working in the hospitality and tourism sector.

    Visit HighLife Highland

  • These organisations have experience supporting migrants in areas where hospitality is a major employer, offering advice on employment rights and local support.

    Visit Inspiralba and Bute Advice

  • (GREC, WSREC, CSREC, ELREC): These regional councils offer employability support, one-to-one casework, and can provide advice on immigration and employment-related matters.

  • NHS inform provides clear, accessible resources to help you understand how the National Health Service works. These include guidance on how to register with a general medical practice (GP), access dental and eye care, use NHS 24, and know when to use emergency services. You can access the NHS Inform website here.

Top Tips for Employees

Understand Your Visa Conditions

It’s crucial to know the specific conditions of your visa. For example, if you're on a Skilled Worker Visa, you may only work for the employer who sponsored you, and your role must meet specific skill and salary requirements. If you're on a student visa, you're usually limited to working 20 hours per week during term time. Breaching your visa conditions could lead to serious consequences, so make sure you're fully aware of what your visa allows.

Immigration laws and visa requirements can change, which might impact your ability to work in the UK. Regularly check the UK Government’s immigration website or sign up for updates from organisations like the Citizens Rights Project to stay informed about any changes that could affect you.

Know Your Rights

Regardless of your immigration status, all employees in the UK, including those in tourism and hospitality, are entitled to basic rights. These include:

  • National Minimum Wage: Ensure you are being paid at least the minimum wage for your age group.

  • Paid Holidays: You are entitled to at least 28 days of paid holiday per year (pro-rated for part-time workers).

  • Rest Breaks: You should receive regular breaks, including a minimum 20-minute rest break if your shift is longer than 6 hours.

  • Sick Pay: After a certain qualifying period, you may be entitled to statutory sick pay if you fall ill. Check resources like Citizens Advice Scotland or your local Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) to learn more about your rights.

  • Tips : Your employer must pass on tips without deductions, other than usual tax and National Insurance deductions. They must also share these tips between employees in a fair and transparent way as outlined on the ACAS website.

If you encounter any issues at work related to your immigration status or employment rights, there are organisations that can provide free or low-cost legal advice. Just Right Scotland and Citizens Advice Bureaux are excellent starting points if you need help understanding your legal position or resolving workplace disputes.