As you may know, the Home Office’s online right to work checking service has been in operation for over two years. Through this process, employers are enabled to undertake free digital checks on prospective migrant employees with a biometric residence permit or card, status under the successful EU Settlement Scheme or the new Points-Based System. This was intended to be a temporary measure in light of the coronavirus outbreak.
As you may be aware, the end date for the temporary adjusted checks has now been deferred to 5 April 2022. The Government made this decision following the positive feedback it received about the ability to conduct checks remotely. I understand that the intention is to introduce a new digital solution to include many who are unable to use the Home Office online checking service, including UK and Irish citizens. This will enable checks to continue to be conducted remotely but with enhanced security.
Deferring the end date of the adjusted checks to 5 April 2022 ensures the Right to Work Scheme continues to operate in a manner which supports employers, whilst the Government looks to implement a long-term, post-pandemic solution. Further information for employers can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-right-to-work-checks.