The United Kingdom is set to implement significant changes to its visa regulations starting from January 31, 2024. These changes are poised to create new opportunities for business endeavors for individuals holding visitor visas, particularly tourist visas. One notable alteration is that tourist visa holders will now have the permission to engage in work-related activities with clients and undertake remote work while visiting the UK.
Key points of the revised rules include the allowance for employees of companies with both UK and international branches to engage in client work abroad, as long as it constitutes a small portion of their overseas responsibilities and is crucial for a project or service by their UK branch. Remote work from the UK is permitted, but the primary purpose of the stay should not be remote work. Scientists, researchers, and academics are granted permission to conduct research in the UK, with certain exceptions for academics on a 12-month visit visa or seeking permission extensions within the country.
Moreover, lawyers will be permitted to partake in additional activities, including providing advice, acting as an expert witness, participating in legal proceedings, and teaching. The Permitted Paid Engagement (PPE) Visitor route will be integrated into the Standard Visitor route, streamlining the process for those involved in paid engagements.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt had previously pledged to expand business visitor rules to enable participation in a broader range of permitted activities and paid engagements, effective from January 2024. The introduction of these changes, especially the allowance for remote work, is anticipated to have a positive impact on both business and tourism in the United Kingdom. Furthermore, additional changes to the regulations for business visitors are expected later in 2024, signaling a comprehensive reform aimed at enhancing the UK’s attractiveness for business and visitors alike.
