International business travel: what issues should UK employers be thinking about?

“Business visitors are limited to a narrow set of permitted activities which include attending meetings, participating in limited training and other similar activities. Where an employer wishes for an individual to carry out business activities beyond those permitted under the Visitor regime, they must sponsor the worker.”

Whatever an individual’s nationality, there are strict restrictions on the nature of the business activities that they can carry out while visiting the UK. Business visitors are limited to a narrow set of permitted activities which include attending meetings, participating in limited training and other similar activities. Where an employer wishes for an individual to carry out business activities beyond those permitted under the Visitor regime, they must sponsor the worker.

Sponsorship entails the employer applying for a sponsor licence. The fees vary depending on…