Overview of Sector based work permits

Please note that the SBS currently only applies to nationals from Bulgaria and Romania. The programme was scheduled to be phased out by 31 December, 2006, but was retained for both nations upon their accession to the European Union on 01 January, 2007.

The sector based scheme is in many ways similar to the normal work permit scheme. Please see below some key facts about this scheme:

• You must be a national of Bulgaria or Romania.
  
• The initial application is made to the Border and Immigration Agency in the UK.
• You will have to be between the ages of 18 and 30 years old.
• The work permit is issued for a maximum of twelve months.
• The employer will need to advertise to show a shortage of people to fill the vacancies in the UK market.
• The employer will have to pay a Government Fee of GBP74 for each work permit issued unless the employee is a citizen of any of the following Countries: Bulgaria, Moldova, Romania, Turkey (countries other than Bulgaria or Romania concern those already working in the UK under the SBS before the latest changes to the scheme).
• Unless you are already in the UK under a sector based work permit you will have to physically enter the UK with the work permit and, in addition apply on the basis of a newly issued work permit at your nearest British Embassy or Consulate.
• You can change employer as long as the new employer meets the requirements to gain a new work permit and, if relevant, pays the Government fee. If you employ nationals from certain Countries you are exempt from the Government fee requirements.
• You cannot bring a spouse and dependents to the UK under the sector based work permit scheme.
• The amount of time spent on this scheme will not count towards gaining permanent residence in the UK (possibly under the ten year long residence rules).

Are you an employer looking for suitable people? Call us on 020 7842 0800.

Are you looking for work? Go to the workpermit.com employment center. The only internet employment center designed for people wishing to live and work abroad.

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