How and Why to Recruit Overseas Workers for Your Scottish Business

03/02/2023

IN THIS article, we’ll be discussing how overseas workers can bring a wealth of benefits to your Scottish business…

Hiring international employees brings people into your business who have different perspectives as they come from entirely different cultures; this can overall help facilitate growth and diversity. Overseas workers can also provide a wealth of new talent and skills, as well as fill existing gaps. 

However, there are certain things that businesses would have to do to attract overseas workers. This could include helping with UK business visas and sponsorships, and supporting potential employees to attain the needed documents to work in Scotland. 

Below we’ll be exploring the benefits of hiring overseas workers for businesses. So, let’s delve in…

What Are the Benefits of Hiring from Overseas? 

There are many benefits to hiring from abroad for your Scottish business, some of these include:

Diversifying the Workforce 

One of the key benefits of hiring overseas workers is the diversification of the workforce. This can help to bring in new perspectives, ideas, and cultural experiences, and foster a more inclusive working environment. 

Diversifying the workforce can also help to improve the company’s reputation, as businesses are seen to be making an effort to promote equality and inclusiveness.

Accessing New Talent and Skills

Hiring overseas workers can bring in new talent and skills, allowing businesses to access a larger pool of skilled workers. This can be particularly useful for businesses that struggle to find the right talent domestically, or for those looking to expand into new markets. 

Overseas workers can bring a wealth of experience, knowledge, and skills that can be valuable to the business.

Improving International Relations and Expanding Networks

Employing overseas workers can also help to improve international relations, particularly when it comes to building bridges between countries and promoting cultural exchange. This can be especially important for businesses looking to expand into new markets, as having employees from the target country can help to build relationships and establish a strong presence.

Overseas Workers Can Help Businesses to Grow

Hiring overseas workers can also help to grow the business, particularly in industries where there is a shortage of domestic workers. This can help to reduce the labour shortage and increase productivity, allowing the business to grow and expand. 

Furthermore, the experience and skills brought by overseas workers can help to drive innovation and bring new ideas to the business.

What Are the Visas and Sponsorship Options Available?

There are several visas and sponsorship options available in the UK that allow employers to hire overseas workers. Some of the most popular options include Tier 2 (General) Visas, Tier 5 (Youth Mobility) Visas, and Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Visas. 

Employers can also sponsor overseas workers through the Points-Based System (PBS), which is used to assess the eligibility of non-European Economic Area (EEA) workers.

Tier 2 (General) Visas

The Tier 2 (General) Visa is a popular option for employers looking to hire overseas workers for medium to long-term positions. To be eligible for this visa, the worker must have a job offer from a UK employer who holds a Tier 2 sponsorship licence, and the job must be on the Shortage Occupation List or have a minimum salary of £30,000 per year.

Tier 5 (Youth Mobility) Visas

The Tier 5 (Youth Mobility) Visa is designed for young people from participating countries, who wish to live and work in the UK for up to two years. To be eligible for this visa, the worker must be aged between 18 and 30 and have a sufficient amount of funds to support themselves without relying on public funds.

Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Visas

The Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) Visa is designed for entrepreneurs and business owners looking to establish or run a business in the UK. To be eligible for this visa, the worker must have access to at least £50,000 in investment funds and a credible business plan.

Points-Based System (PBS)

The Points-Based System (PBS) is a comprehensive immigration system used by the UK to assess the eligibility of non-European Economic Area (EEA) workers. This system assigns points based on various factors such as the worker’s qualifications, skills, and work experience. 

Employers are required to sponsor workers under the PBS, and the worker must score enough points to be eligible for a visa. The PBS operates in tiers, with Tier 1 designed for highly skilled workers and Tier 5 for temporary workers. 

Recruiting workers from overseas…

Hiring overseas workers has become an increasingly popular trend in recent years, with many businesses reaping the benefits of a diverse workforce, new talent and skills, improved international relations, and business growth. 

By embracing diversity and tapping into the wealth of talent and skills available from abroad, businesses can create a more inclusive, dynamic, and innovative working environment, while also enjoying the many benefits of a diverse and thriving workforce.

Please be advised that this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for advice from a trained legal professional. Be sure to consult a lawyer/solicitor if you’re seeking advice on the visas and sponsorships. We are not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information on this site.

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