UK employers must use worker sponsor licences to hire non-settled workers. There are several ways that employees can be ‘sponsored’ including Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility, Creative Person Worker and International Sportsman licences. These licences can be expensive, costing thousands of pounds, plus an additional £239 fee for a Certificate of Sponsorship.
Some employers ask migrant workers to repay part of these costs if they leave the job within a set period. This helps employers protect their investment by encouraging workers to stay longer. However, since 31 December 2024, new rules prohibit employers from recovering certain costs from sponsored workers. Specifically, sponsors can no longer recoup:
- Any part of the Certificate of Sponsorship fee (for certificates assigned on or after 31 December 2024); and
- Skilled Worker sponsor licence fees or related administrative costs.
Employers who break these rules risk losing their sponsor licence. To comply, employers should review and update any agreements that include repayment provisions for immigration costs, ensuring they don’t violate the new restrictions.
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