All migrants entering the United Kingdom have to have been invited by a sponsor. The only two categories this does not apply to are immigrants who fall into tier 1 and those who are immigrating due to family ties. An immigrant may not enter the United Kingdom before the sponsor has applied for PBS Sponsorship. There is a great diversity of sponsors, ranging from companies to educational institutions to religious institutions. Having a sponsor is the first stage of the process. Immigrants with PBS Sponsorship must have a ‘biometric identity card’. This is a necessity for any sponsored immigrant staying in the United Kingdom for more than six months.
Having migrant status is a privilege, and for the sponsor it is a legal responsibility. All individuals, institutions and companies that extend a sponsorship to migrant employees have to see that all compliances are fully met. The Border and Immigration Agency has the authority to take away a licence from a sponsor if all the correct ‘procedures and processes are not in place’. It is important for the sponsor to be aware that the obligation is on them.
Migrant labour usually makes up numbers in certain areas of employment if it cannot be met by the citizens of a country. PBS Sponsorship is a means of filling this gap legally. Because sponsorship is an ongoing procedure, there are professionals who are able to ensure that it runs smoothly for sponsors. Migrant labour is a necessity, and many companies depend on the PBS Sponsorship system.