The key changes in respect of the Immigration Rules for Visitors that are being introduced are as follows:
-Permitted Intra-Corporate Activities:
The government is removing the prohibition on working directly with clients for intra corporate activities. However, a new requirement is being introduced, client-facing activity must be incidental to the visitor’s employment abroad and should not amount to the offshoring of a project or service to their overseas employer.
– Remote Working Permission:
Visitors will now be permitted to work remotely while in the UK, but with a crucial caveat remote working must not be the primary purpose of their visit. This change reflects the growing trend of flexible work arrangements and acknowledges the importance of adaptability in the modern workplace.
-Aviation Industry:
Flight crew members will be allowed to come to the UK as part of a Civil Aviation Authority-approved wet lease arrangement between March and October. This adjustment formalises an existing concession outside the rules, bringing it into the Visitor rules.
-Enhanced Opportunities for Scientists, Researchers, and Academics:
Scientists, Researchers and Academics will have expanded opportunities to conduct research in the UK during their visit. Previously limited to independent research, scientists and researchers, as well as academics, will now be permitted to engage in research activities beyond their individual purposes. Notably, these changes do not apply to academics applying for a 12-month visit visa or those seeking to extend their permission from within the UK.
-Legal Professionals:
The scope of permitted activities for legal professionals is being expanded, offering them greater flexibility during their visits to the UK.
-Paid Engagements for Conference Speakers:
Conference speakers will now be able to be remunerated for their participation, as this is being included in the list of Permitted Paid Engagements (PPE). This change acknowledges the valuable contributions of speakers and ensures fair compensation for their time and expertise.
– Consolidation of Permitted Paid Engagement Visitor Route:
The provisions of the Permitted Paid Engagement Visitor route are being merged into the Standard Visitor route. This means that all visitors, without the need for a special visa, will be able to undertake Permitted Paid Engagements. However, its crucial to note that individuals intending to participate in a PPE must have arranged their activities before travelling to the UK and complete them within 30 days of arrival. These changes will take effect on 31 January 2024.
