Cibo Restaurant Fined £80,000 for Hiring Illegal Workers – Why Every Employer Must Strengthen Right to Work Compliance
⚠️ A Costly Lesson in Compliance According to a BBC News report published on 1 October 2025, the owner of the well-known Cibo restaurant chain in Manchester has been fined £80,000 by the Home Office. This is due to employing illegal workers after three people were found working illegally at its Hale branch. The incident […]
Understanding Companies House Identity Verification: What Directors, PSCs, and Compliance Teams Need to Know
In 2025, Companies House introduced major changes to how UK companies and individuals handle identity verification and compliance. These reforms, based on the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, focus on stronger verification to stop fraud and improve transparency. If you are a director, a Person with Significant Control (PSC), or work on corporate compliance, you will need to meet […]
UKVICAS: The Ultimate Sponsor Licence Compliance Software for UK Businesses in 2025
In today’s rapidly evolving UK immigration compliance landscape, sponsor licence holders face unprecedented challenges. With increased Home Office scrutiny and escalating penalties for non-compliance, it has never been more critical for businesses to have a robust, reliable compliance system. Enter UKVICAS — a revolutionary sponsor licence compliance software designed to simplify, automate, and secure your […]
From Refusal to Approval: How One Business Secured Their Skilled Worker Sponsor Licence
Applying for a Skilled Worker sponsor licence can feel overwhelming for many businesses. The Home Office is increasingly strict when it comes to compliance, documentation, and record-keeping. Even small mistakes can result in a refusal, leading to delays, frustration, and additional costs. One of our clients experienced this first-hand. Their first application was refused after […]
Facing a Home Office Audit? Here’s What to Do Next—with UKVICAS Limited
Introduction Preparation and confidence are key when the Home Office notifies a sponsor licence holder of an audit or inspection. UKVICAS Limited offers step-by-step support and the practical solutions needed to succeed. Immediate Actions Checklist Stay Calm and Organised: Gather documents such as HR records, staff lists, contracts, and compliance checklists using UKVICAS’s cloud platform. […]
Consequences of Not Following Home Office Guidance: What UK Sponsor Licence Holders Must Know
Consequences of Not Following Home Office Guidance If your business holds a UK Sponsor Licence, you must follow Home Office rules closely. Sponsoring workers from outside the UK is a great way to fill skills gaps. But failing to meet your responsibilities can put your licence—and your business—in serious trouble. Why You Must Follow Sponsorship […]
“UK Expands ‘Deport Now, Appeal Later’ Scheme: What Sponsor Licence Holders Need to Know in 2025”
Introduction The UK Home Office has announced a major expansion of its ‘Deport Now, Appeal Later’ scheme, nearly tripling its scope from 8 countries to 23. Under this policy, foreign nationals convicted of crimes in the UK will be deported immediately after sentencing, with any appeals heard remotely via video link from overseas. India is […]
Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations
Eligible SOC 2020 occupation codes and going rates for Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility and Scale-up routes Table 1: Eligible SOC 2020 occupation codes and related going rates based on median Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) data, Hide These SOC 2020 occupation codes are considered to be skilled to Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) level […]
How to Prepare for a Home Office Sponsor Compliance Audit in 2025
As the UK tightens immigration rules and strengthens sponsor oversight, sponsor licence holders must brace for deeper scrutiny from the Home Office. Whether you’re anticipating a pre-licence visit, a compliance audit, or a spot check, being fully prepared is essential to avoid penalties, licence suspension, or even revocation. In this guide, we break down the […]
Home Office Issues Important Update: Immigration Rule Changes from 22 July 2025
The UK Home Office has issued a direct communication to sponsor licence holders regarding major changes to the immigration rules. These updates take effect from 22 July 2025 and are part of the government’s broader plan to build a high-skilled, high-wage economy and reduce reliance on low-skilled overseas workers. Sponsor Licence Holders: Check Your […]