U.S. authorities recently carried out raids at project sites of a Korean company, detaining hundreds of workers found without proper status or working beyond the scope of their visitor visas. The action caused major disruption and showed how seriously immigration breaches are treated.
These developments are a warning for UK businesses. The UK’s Standard Visitor route also has strict limits, and crossing them puts both individuals and companies at risk. In this newsletter, we discuss what happened in the US, how visitor visa rules apply in the UK, the risks of non-compliance, recent enforcement trends, and the steps companies can take to protect themselves.
What did the US raids reveal about visitor visa risks?
Officials investigated reports that overseas workers were engaged in hands-on activity while on short-term business travel. Business visitor or visa waiver travel is meant for meetings, site visits, or contract discussions, not construction or production work. The crackdown was swift and high profile, leading to detentions, reputational harm, and significant project delays. These events underline why it is vital to understand exactly what visitor visas do and do not allow.
What can visitors do in the UK?
UK visitor rules allow limited business activity. Meetings, conferences, short site visits, signings, and one-off presentations are permitted. A visitor may gather information for an overseas employer. They must not take employment, provide services to the public, or fill a role for a UK entity. Pay and sponsorship must remain overseas. Remote work can only be incidental. If in doubt, businesses should always seek legal guidance before allowing travel.
What are the risks if visitor rules are breached?
For individuals, working in breach of a visitor visa can lead to detention, removal from the UK, and refusals of future visa applications. For companies, the risks include heavy fines, potential criminal liability, and damage to reputation. Breaches can delay projects, disrupt contracts, and strain client relationships. In practice, the disruption and cost of non-compliance usually far outweigh the effort of securing the correct visa at the outset.
Are UK authorities increasing enforcement?
Right-to-work checks are now a top priority for the government. Penalties for illegal working have risen sharply, and workplace visits are more frequent. Inspectors may request records and carry out audits. Sponsors face added scrutiny, especially regarding contractors and secondees. In 2024, the Home Office updated its guidance, with stricter rules on record keeping and clearer obligations for third-party contractors and digital checks.
How can companies protect themselves?
Businesses can manage risk by planning workforce movements early and avoiding visitor status for hands-on roles. Substantive duties usually require routes such as Skilled Worker or Temporary Work. Right-to-work checks, record-keeping, HR training, site controls, and clear scopes for visits are common safeguards. Legal advice can help resolve uncertainty, but a strong culture of compliance is the best protection.
How 3CS can help
3CS advises businesses of all sizes on visitor rules, sponsorship, and compliance. We review procedures, deliver training, and support visa planning for projects and secondments. If issues arise, we act quickly to limit disruption. With experienced legal guidance, you can protect timelines and your reputation while meeting all obligations. Contact 3CS for legal support that helps your business stay compliant and focused on growth.
