Immigration laws might be difficult to understand. It's critical to distinguish fact from fiction since the Home Office plans to raise the punishment for breaking the rules. 

Starting in the first quarter of 2019, civil fines for a first violation will increase from up to £15,000 to up to £45,000 per unlawful worker. For repeated violations, the penalties will rise from £20,000 to as much as £60,000.

Employers nevertheless deal with it frequently, if not every day. It's more crucial than ever to do things correctly because the prime minister promised more immigration enforcement personnel and a 50% increase in raids on illegal work. We'll look at popular immigration myths in this blog article and discuss ways to avoid falling for their tricks.

Myth 1: Ignorance of Consequences

When hiring somebody without the right immigration status, some firms might ponder, "What's the worst that could happen?" The truth is unforgiving. Employers who intentionally hire undocumented workers risk heavy fines of up to £60,000 as well as criminal prosecution. 

For those who work illegally, a ban on entry to the UK might last up to a year or possibly up to ten years if there is evidence of dishonesty. This is no little thing; the person has also committed a criminal offence.

Myth 2: No Visa Needed for Visitors

Another common misunderstanding is the idea that if you can enter the UK without a visa, you can also work without a work permit. Only certain non-work activities are permitted for visitors. Additionally, prospective visitors to the UK may soon need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) if they are from a nation that is not required to obtain a visa.

Myth 3: Working for Overseas Employers

Visitors may engage in certain commercial activities, but employment is typically not permitted. There are some exclusions, such as for interpreters, performers, and athletes, but conditions must be met. If the proposed activities fall outside of these exceptions, a suitable visa, like a skilled worker visa, is frequently needed.

Myth 4: Digital Nomads Can Work Freely

The idea that you can operate remotely without a specific visa in the age of digital nomads and remote employment is untrue. The immigration status of digital nomads is not yet recognised in the UK. People who want to work remotely in the UK typically need an appropriate work visa, like a skilled worker visa.

Myth 5: Using an 'Employer of Record'

Employers of record (EORs) and professional employer organisations (PEOs) may present challenges for foreign firms seeking to sponsor employees for work visas. According to UKVI, sponsorship must come from the business where the employee would work predominantly.

Myth 6: Using ePassport Gates for Work

Although ePassport Gates are practical, they might not take work-related objectives into account. Travellers should speak with an immigration officer about specific work categories to ensure they receive the correct immigration status.

Conclusion

It's important to be knowledgeable and avoid believing these common falsehoods when navigating the complex world of immigration. It's more crucial than ever to do things right and avoid the traps of these myths, especially in light of the Home Office's increased fines for immigration rule infractions.

Keep in mind that remaining educated and getting competent advice can help you avoid costly errors and legal issues. Don't let these misconceptions about immigration mislead you.

FAQS

Can visitors work for their overseas employers while in the UK?

The UK routinely forbids foreigners from working there. specific conditions must be met in order for specific types of work to be approved.

In the wake of Brexit, am I required to employ locals?

No, following Brexit, the UK government made reforms to make it simpler for firms to sponsor employees. The requirement for the Resident Labour Market Test has been eliminated.