1 February 2021

We have updated our comprehensive FAQs on the UK immigration implications of the COVID-19 pandemic. The key points of the updates are detailed below.

Exceptional Assurance

The ability to request an exceptional assurance has now been extended to those whose UK immigration permission expires between 1 January 2021 and 28 February 2021. Exceptional assurance requests must be made by contacting the Home Office’s CIH Assurance Team via email.

Entering the UK/England

The self-isolation period for all internationals arrivals into the UK has been reduced from 14 days to 10 days. All arrivals into England are also now required to present a negative COVID-19 test taken up to 72 hours prior to departure. All travel corridors are currently suspended, and individuals are banned from entering England if they have travelled from or through specified countries in the 10 day period immediately before the planned date of arrival.

Although exact details are yet to be clarified, that individuals entering the UK from specified countries will be required to quarantine in government provided accommodation such as hotels for 10 days. In effect, this policy will impact returning British nationals or those with existing residency rights given that travel is already restricted for others from these nations. The Department of Health and Social Care is due to provide further details on this policy in due course.

Sponsors – salary reductions

Sponsors continue to be permitted to temporarily reduce the salaries of sponsored employees in line with government job support schemes. However, the relevant guidance on this point was recently updated to confirm that sponsors may not reduce salaries below the applicable going rate for the occupation. Whilst sponsors will not be penalised for any salaries which were reduced below the occupation going rate prior to 23 December 2020, they are now expected to increase the salary to at least this level as soon as possible.

Covid Visa Concession Scheme

The Home Office have introduced the Covid Visa Concession Scheme (CVCS), which is to enable individuals to return to the UK if they left before 17 March 2020 and were unable to return prior to the expiry of their UK immigration permission due to COVID-19.

For further details on the points above and other COVID-19 UK immigration updates, see our comprehensive COVID-19 FAQs.

For further information on other changes to UK immigration law, see our website, or contact your assigned LDI lawyer or enquiries@lauradevine.com.