Published in People Management 20 May 2021
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The Home Office have confirmed that EU nationals can enter the UK as visitors for job interviews. If successful they would have to leave the country and re-enter once they have obtained a visa that allows them to work.
Our Immigration Manager, Karendeep Kaur spoke to People Management about the UK’s labour shortages and how UK Visas & Immigration should approach EU nationals seeking to enter the UK for employment purposes.
A number of EU citizens travelling to the UK for interviews were reportedly refused entry as they did not have visas. An official statement is yet to be published confirming the number of EU citizens that had been detained or deported for being in the UK without a work visa since the change in the Immigration Rules on 1 January 2021.
The under secretary of state for future borders and immigration, Kevin Foster added that those travelling to the UK must comply with current COVID health regulations and that Irish citizens did not need entry clearance to seek or start work in the UK.
Karendeep Kaur – Immigration Manager
EU nationals can enter the UK as visitors for job interviews – But what should they be aware of?
To enter the UK as visitors for job interviews it is recommended for EU nationals to carry a letter of invitation from their prospective employer confirming their interview date and time.
As visitors they would also be required to show an intention to leave the UK at the end of their visit, by proof of a return flight.
Our Immigration Manager, Karendeep Kaur has highlighted the importance of a clear communication from the UK government regarding entry clearance requirements for EU nationals.
“The rest of the world is aware that work is not permitted without the relevant entry clearance obtained prior to travel. They have had years of practice and knowhow.”
However, for EU nationals and UK businesses this is a new challenge.
If you are a UK business in need of advice on the entry clearance requirements for EU nationals please contact Migrate UK.