The United Kingdom is set to implement significant alterations to its visa rules, allowing tourist visa holders to engage in work-related activities while visiting the country. Scheduled to take effect on January 31, 2024, these changes are anticipated to enhance business opportunities and boost tourism.
As per information from VisaGuide.World, the UK government’s update to immigration rules permits more activities on Visitor Visas. The revised regulations broaden the scope for tourist visa holders, enabling them to work with clients and engage in remote work during their stay in the UK.
Key Highlights of the Rule Changes:
1. Employees of companies with both British and international branches can conduct client work abroad, provided it constitutes a small part of their overseas responsibilities, is crucial for a project or service by their UK branch, and isn’t directly delivered to a UK client by the overseas employer.
2. While visitors can work remotely from the UK, it should not be the primary reason for their stay.
3. Scientists, researchers, and academics are permitted to conduct research in the UK, with exceptions for academics applying for a 12-month visit visa or extending permission within the country.
4. Lawyers can engage in additional activities such as providing advice, acting as an expert witness, participating in legal proceedings, and teaching.
The Permitted Paid Engagement (PPE) Visitor route will be merged into the Standard Visitor route, simplifying the process for those involved in paid engagements. However, they are required to plan the activity within 30 days of arriving.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt announced last month that the UK government aims to expand business visitor rules to allow a wider range of permitted activities and paid engagements, with the changes taking effect from January 2024. Further reforms to business visitor rules are also under consideration in 2024.
