Partner Article

Cobbetts launches specialist Immigration team

Leading law firm Cobbetts LLP has launched a specialist immigration team in Manchester and Birmingham to work with the increasing number of multinational businesses who need legal advice on staff moving countries.

The team is headed up by employment partner Philip Harman, who will continue to advise employers on all aspects of employment law.

Cobbetts predicts an increase in demand for immigration advice as businesses grapple with recent regulation changes. Currently, to employ a migrant worker, businesses first need to apply for a sponsorship license and will then need to apply for the individual’s visa under the points based system. Responsibility lies with the employer to handle the paperwork, pay numerous fees and ensure that they comply with strict immigration rules once the visa is granted.

Cobbetts has previously given immigration advice to multinational companies based in India, the US and Russia. Most visa applications are intra-company transfers or for high value migrants. Many of the workers moving to the UK are either highly-skilled in engineering or technology, or are establishing a UK office for their employer.

Philip Harman, said: “The Government regularly amends immigration regulation to keep up with changing social, economic and migration trends. It is a massive endeavor for a business to stay on top of all the regulation, so we try to make it effortless and clear for our clients.

“We have entered a new era where people with particular skills, specifically in engineering and technology, are unique and very valuable for a business. It is often challenging for a business to find the perfect candidate, so when they do, we make sure that any immigration issues are handled quickly and without effort for the business.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Cobbetts .