The UK's aviation industry, rejuvenated post-COVID-19 and grappling with the aftermath of Brexit, is on a recruitment drive. With increased travel demand, the necessity to hire skilled airline personnel, such as pilots and engineers, on a global scale has become more pressing. This scenario unfolds against a backdrop of complex UK immigration rules, which are critical for the industry to navigate in order to maintain optimal staffing levels.
Skilled Worker Sponsorship
The primary route for work permits in the UK requires employer sponsorship. The role must be skilled (NQF Level 3 or above) and meet minimum salary thresholds, which are updated based on the Office of National Statistics data and set to increase significantly from April 2024. Unfortunately, cabin crew positions often do not meet these criteria due to the industry-standard compensation structure, which heavily relies on non-guaranteed earnings like shift allowances.
Recent Immigration Rule Changes
Significant updates include adjustments to salary thresholds and the replacement of the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) with the Immigration Salary List (ISL), eliminating the 20% salary discount for certain roles. Additionally, updates to Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes mean specific roles will see substantial increases in the minimum required salary.
Air Crew Exemption
Air crew, distinguished from ground or security personnel, benefit from certain exemptions. They do not require work permits or visas for entry if their stay is short, making this a flexible option for airlines. However, for stays beyond seven days, standard visa requirements apply.
UK Visitor Rule Updates and Wet Leasing
Updates to the UK Visitor rules now formally allow for wet leasing arrangements, providing flexibility for airlines to manage seasonal demand and other operational challenges efficiently. Under these arrangements, crew can work temporarily in the UK, provided they maintain their employment overseas. This inclusion within the Visitor Rules streamlines the process and acknowledges the unique needs of the aviation industry.
The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
The UK's shift towards a digital border introduces the ETA requirement for certain nationalities, including those under the Wet Lease Agreement, further complicating the entry process for some crew members. This move aims to fully digitise the UK border by 2025, affecting how airlines manage their international crew movements.
Pros:
Skilled Worker Sponsorship
The primary route for work permits in the UK requires employer sponsorship. The role must be skilled (NQF Level 3 or above) and meet minimum salary thresholds, which are updated based on the Office of National Statistics data and set to increase significantly from April 2024. Unfortunately, cabin crew positions often do not meet these criteria due to the industry-standard compensation structure, which heavily relies on non-guaranteed earnings like shift allowances.
Recent Immigration Rule Changes
Significant updates include adjustments to salary thresholds and the replacement of the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) with the Immigration Salary List (ISL), eliminating the 20% salary discount for certain roles. Additionally, updates to Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes mean specific roles will see substantial increases in the minimum required salary.
Air Crew Exemption
Air crew, distinguished from ground or security personnel, benefit from certain exemptions. They do not require work permits or visas for entry if their stay is short, making this a flexible option for airlines. However, for stays beyond seven days, standard visa requirements apply.
UK Visitor Rule Updates and Wet Leasing
Updates to the UK Visitor rules now formally allow for wet leasing arrangements, providing flexibility for airlines to manage seasonal demand and other operational challenges efficiently. Under these arrangements, crew can work temporarily in the UK, provided they maintain their employment overseas. This inclusion within the Visitor Rules streamlines the process and acknowledges the unique needs of the aviation industry.
The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
The UK's shift towards a digital border introduces the ETA requirement for certain nationalities, including those under the Wet Lease Agreement, further complicating the entry process for some crew members. This move aims to fully digitise the UK border by 2025, affecting how airlines manage their international crew movements.
Pros:
- Flexibility for air crew with certain exemptions, easing short-term entry.
- Formalization of wet leasing arrangements under Visitor Rules, supporting operational flexibility.
- Potential benefits from the digitalization of UK border controls.
- Increased minimum salary thresholds for skilled workers could limit the recruitment of necessary staff.
- Complex and changing immigration rules pose challenges for compliance and operational planning.
- The abolition of the SOL and increased reliance on the ISL and updated SOC codes could lead to higher operational costs.
Let's hope they keep the air crew exemptions straightforward at least.
