With enforcement levels now significantly higher than in previous years, all sponsors—regardless of size or sector—should take stock of their current compliance frameworks. The government’s evolving strategy means sponsors may be subject to scrutiny not just during scheduled visits, but also through remote and data-led assessments. Employers that treat compliance as an ongoing, strategic priority will be best placed to navigate this changing environment confidently and effectively.
Between July 2024 and June 2025, the UK Home Office revoked 1,948 sponsor licences, more than twice the number revoked in the previous 12-month period (937). This sharp rise in enforcement marks the continuation of a trend in which sponsor compliance has come under intensified scrutiny.
The government attributes the increase to a new data-led approach, with improved intelligence sharing across departments and law enforcement. As a result, more sponsors have been identified as failing to meet the required standards for maintaining their sponsor status.
While the government referenced certain patterns of non-compliance in sectors such as adult social care, hospitality, retail, and construction, it is important to recognize that the revocations stem from a broader range of breaches. These can include failing to meet record-keeping obligations, delays in reporting sponsor changes, or not fulfilling responsibilities around job roles and remuneration.
Monitoring and enforcement activity has risen sharply since 2022
Sponsor licence revocations have risen significantly in recent years, and the general expectation is for enforcement activity to continue at this elevated tempo.
The Home Office has signalled its intention to continue pursuing non-compliant sponsors as part of its wider immigration strategy. Based on present trends, the total number of revocations is expected to climb further in the year ahead.
What this means for employers.
The revocation of a sponsor licence can have serious and immediate consequences, including the curtailment of sponsored employees’ leave and reputational damage for the business. Importantly, while the public messaging around enforcement has focused on high-profile breaches, the threshold for compliance remains high across all sectors and sponsor types.
Even sponsors who do not believe they are at risk of enforcement action should remain proactive. Routine activities such as updating the Sponsor Management System (SMS), monitoring changes to employee circumstances, and maintaining accurate HR records can have material implications for compliance.
The importance of ongoing oversight.
This sharp increase in revocations reinforces the need for sponsors to treat licence management as a continuous compliance responsibility, not simply a matter of meeting initial eligibility criteria. Sponsors should ensure their internal processes remain aligned with their obligations, particularly in areas such as:
- Timely reporting of changes (e.g. work location, job title, salary)
- Record-keeping and audit-readiness
- Right-to-work checks and ongoing eligibility
- Monitoring sponsored workers’ attendance and role compliance
- Use of the SMS and reporting within prescribed timeframes
Regular internal audits and policy reviews can help mitigate risk. In some cases, it may be prudent to seek external guidance or conduct a mock audit to identify and address any gaps.
How Newland Chase can help
At Newland Chase, our immigration compliance services are designed to help organisations stay ahead of evolving regulatory requirements and mitigate the risks associated with non-compliance. It is now more crucial than ever for your organization to avoid any remedial actions set out by UKVI. The following Newland Chase compliance services are available in the UK.
Right to work training
This training program will provide your organization with the necessary tools to ensure that you carry out right to work checks thoroughly and compliantly.
Sponsor compliance training
This training takes you through the requirements set out by UKVI and is a great base on which to build your knowledge. Each training session can be held in-person or virtually and will last approximately one hour.
Mock audit
This service is growing in popularity as the focus on immigration intensifies. A Newland Chase consultant will visit your office and role-play as a UKVI Compliance Officer. You will be measured against various areas of compliance and provided with feedback on findings, risks, and recommendations.
Policy creation and checking
A strong set of polices is the bedrock of immigration compliance. If your organization is ever audited by UKVI, you will be asked to provide your policies to back up your answers. Be prepared: Newland Chase can create, amend, or check policy documents governing sponsorship and immigration.
If you have unanswered questions relating to sponsor compliance or would like an introductory call, our Compliance Team is available to provide support. This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.
