Starting January 31, the United Kingdom is set to implement significant modifications to its visa regulations, extending business-related activities for visitors. Those holding tourist visas will now be permitted to engage in work for clients and conduct remote work while in the UK.
According to VisaGuide, this adjustment is expected to invigorate business and tourism in the country. The UK government has released an update to its immigration rules, with the changes slated to take effect from January 31, 2024.
Key aspects of the revised rules include provisions for employees of companies with both UK and international branches to participate in client work abroad. This engagement must constitute a minor portion of their overseas responsibilities, be vital for a project or service by their UK branch, and not be directly delivered to a UK client by the overseas employer.
While visitors are allowed to work remotely from the UK, it should not be the primary reason for their stay. Specific allowances are made for scientists, researchers, and academics to conduct research in the UK, except for academics applying for a 12-month visit visa or extending permission within the country.
Legal professionals, including lawyers, are granted permission to undertake additional activities such as providing advice, acting as an expert witness, participating in legal proceedings, and teaching.
Furthermore, the Permitted Paid Engagement (PPE) Visitor route will be merged into the Standard Visitor route, eliminating the need for a separate visa for those involved in paid engagements. However, individuals must still plan and commence the activity within 30 days of arriving.
Last month, Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt pledged that the UK government would expand business visitor rules, enabling businesspeople to partake in a broader range of permitted activities and paid engagements. These changes are expected to take effect from January 2024, with further reforms to business visitor rules under consideration throughout 2024.
Source: menafn
