The Barista Visa May Be a Saviour for Lower-Skilled EU Workers in the UK post-Brexit. In a bid to tighten EU immigration, the Home Office has been more selective in deciding who has the right to work in the UK. However, this could be seen to be discriminating against lower skilled workers in industries such as hospitality and retail. By subjecting these workers to more unfair and selective treatment and with the uncertainty of Brexit, the future for EEA nationals working these lower skilled jobs in the UK seems bleak. Yet, it has been reported that the UK government is considering special visa arrangements for EU nationals seeking lower-skilled jobs, which has been dubbed the ‘Barista Visa’.
What Is The Proposed Barista Visa?
The proposed Barista Visa would work in a similar way to the Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme Visa which sponsors young people aged 18 to 30 to live and work in the UK for a maximum stay of two years. The countries which currently participate in the Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme are Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Monaco, Taiwan and Republic of Korea.
Therefore the Barista Visa would extend the countries participating in the Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme to enable young EU lower-skilled workers to come to the UK and work in the hospitality sector, even after Brexit, on a short term stay of no more than two years. During that time they would not be able to claim benefits or free housing but would be able to still experience and enjoy British life.
Employers may favour the Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme visa over Tier 2 visas largely because it is free from the financial requirement of hiring under Tier 2, especially since the minimum salary threshold has been raised to £30,000. Hence, the Barista Visa would be an extension of Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme visa rather than Tier 2 visa because it would be for those who would be on a lower income than those with degrees or in higher skilled jobs.
What Would Be The Significance Of The Barista Visa? Â
Approval of the Barista Visa would be a significant decision for the UK hospitality industry. It is well known how much we Brits enjoy our coffee in the morning, yet the majority of workers who are found in coffee chains are EEA nationals. Statistics show that around 65% of Pret-A-Manger staff are from other EU countries and only 1 in 50 of their job applicants are British. The Home Office states that this is because it is easier to bring in workers from overseas rather than to train people from the UK. Also, British citizens seem to be more unwilling to apply for lower skilled jobs compared with EEA nationals.
Home Secretary Amber Rudd may be giving serious consideration of the idea of the Barista Visa, which was proposed by Lord Andrew Green who is the chairman of Migrant Watch UK. Speaking about his plans he said;
 “We can meet the needs of pubs and restaurants and maintain our links with young Europeans by allowing them to come for a strictly limited period of two years to work”.
Therefore the significance of the Barista Visa being approved by the UK Home Office is that EEA nationals who are already at the fury end would suffer less discrimination and would offer them a fair opportunity to live and work in the UK.
Using Legal Representation to Submit a Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme Visa Application
Whether or not these proposals go through remains to be seen, but should it be approved, it would be advised to use legal representation in submitting this or any visa application. Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration law firm, are qualified to advise you on immigration law and your immigration status. It is possible to instruct a legal representative to submit a visa application and advise you on the whole process.
Caseworkers at the Home Office are trained to reject applications which are improperly prepared for example by failing to provide the correct supporting evidence. In order to ensure your application succeeds, all necessary documents must be provided. This can be a significant administrative task and you will need to submit the correct documentary evidence. The UK Immigration Rules are complex and a legal representative can help ensure that your application meets the Immigration Rules.
Successful Visa Applications from LEXVISA London Immigration Solicitors
Our team of solicitors and barristers are specialist immigration lawyers who act in your best interest. We offer a client-tailored approach from the outset. From the very first meeting, we will be able to advise you in respect of your immigration status and the merit of your applications before your matter even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation of your immigration or visa application and ensure that you meet all the requirements of the relevant rules.
LEXVISA is based in the legal epicenter of London, just across the road from the Royal Courts of Justice in order to ensure we get the best results for our clients. We are minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice and other central London courts.
Preparation is the key to successful immigration applications. Our UK immigration and visa solicitors are here to guide you through the complex immigration rules and requirements. If you wish to meet one of our lawyers, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your case and arrange your legal consultation.
Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.