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UNITED KINGDOM: Right to Work and Rent Checks – COVID-19 Adjustments Update
February 24, 2022
Adjustments to Right to Work (RTW) checks made due to COVID-19 have been extended by the Home Office until 30 September 2022 (inclusive).
From 1 October 2022, employers must check the prescribed documents set out in the employer RTW checks supporting guidance published by the Home Office. Employers will maintain a defence against a civil penalty provided checks undertaken between 30 March and 30 September 2022 (inclusive) were carried out in the prescribed manner or as set out in the COVID-19 adjusted checks guidance.
The Home Office has deferred the date for the resumption of physical document checks so employers can onboard identity service providers and make changes to their pre-employment checking processes. Where applicable, employers can use the Home Office online RTW service. This does not require employers to check physical documents and can be carried out by video, as RTW information is provided in real time direct from Home Office systems.
Employers will be able to use Identification Document Validation Technology (IDVT) to carry out digital checks on behalf of British and Irish citizens who hold a valid passport (or Irish passport card) from 6 April 2022.
The above extension is in response to the positive reaction to the introduction of IDVT, in order to allow employers sufficient time to establish working arrangements with IDVT service providers.
Organisations and individuals impacted by this development are encouraged to contact a Newland Chase immigration specialist for case-specific advice.
For general advice and information on immigration and business travel to the UK, please contact us.
