The United Kingdom (UK) has announced substantial revisions to its visa regulations, ushering in a more flexible approach for holders of tourist visas to engage in work-related activities.
The updated immigration rules, set to take effect from January 31, 2024, are designed to broaden the range of activities permitted on Visitor Visas, with a particular emphasis on supporting business and tourism.
Key highlights of the amended rules include:
- Work-related Activities: Tourist visa holders are now allowed to partake in work-related activities with clients under specific conditions. This includes individuals working for companies with branches both in the UK and abroad, where client work constitutes a minor portion of their overseas responsibilities and is vital for a project or service by their employer’s UK branch. It is essential that the project is not directly delivered to a UK client by the visitor’s overseas employer.
- Remote Work: While visitors can engage in remote work from the UK, it is clarified that remote work should not be the primary purpose of their stay.
- Researchers and Academics: Scientists, researchers, and academics are granted permission to conduct research in the UK, excluding academics applying for a 12-month visit visa or extending their stay within the country.
- Legal Professionals: Lawyers can participate in additional activities, including providing advice, acting as an expert witness, participating in legal proceedings, and teaching.
- Speakers’ Fees: Speakers visiting the UK on a visitor visa will now be eligible to receive payment for their talks.
- Integration of PPE Visitor Route: The Permitted Paid Engagement (PPE) Visitor route will be merged into the Standard Visitor route. Individuals engaging in paid activities will no longer require a separate visa but must plan the activity within 30 days of arrival.
These adjustments are aimed at fostering business and tourism by providing greater flexibility for individuals visiting the UK on tourist visas.
