UK Immigration: Business Visitors & Tourists in UK Increase

Today, it has been reported that leading up to Christmas in the UK in 2014 the number of overseas tourists and business visitors increased. According to figures released by marketing agency ‘Leeds and Partners’, the city’s hotels saw the highest occupancy level in the last seven years.  Hotels, along with the First Direct Arena and the Trinity Leeds shopping centre have also seen a rise in their revenues due to visitors in the UK. 

Global Companies Choosing UK to do Business

According to ‘Leeds and Partners’, the number of business visitors and tourists occupying hotel rooms peaked in November 2014 at 88%, this is 8% higher than any other month in 2014. In Leeds alone visitors have spent more than £26 million in the last 7 years.

The chair of Leeds Hotels and Venues Association, Gordon Jackson believes the increase in hotel bookings in the city is due to the number of business visitors the UK attracts. Hotels in Leeds have accommodated a number of corporate sector bookings, conferences, day events and business clients. Jacquie Hanson, the general manager of The Queen in Leeds agreed with Mr Jackson, confirming conference room bookings in her hotel and accommodating international business visitors and clients were getting stronger. She stated:

“As global companies are choosing Leeds for their offices, they are bringing more and more business here.”

Activities Permitted for UK Business Visitors

Individuals in the UK on a Business Visitor visa can only stay in the UK for up to 6 months, which may explain the increase in the number hotels rooms being occupied in the UK. Those who wish to come to the UK for business purposes can apply for a long-term visit visa which can last from 1 year to 10 years, but you can only stay in the UK for a maximum of 6 months at a time.

There is normally confusion as to what individuals on a UK Business Visitor visas can and cannot do during their duration in the country. Our expert Immigration Solicitors will be able to guide you through the process to ensure you obtain the right visa to permit you to carry out the activities you are required to do on behalf of the business you are associated with.

If you are on a Business Visitor visa you are only permitted to:

  • Carry out activities related to the job you are employed by; and
  • Study for up to 30 days, as long as it not the main reason you are in the UK.

If you are on a Business Visitor visa you cannot:

  • Take paid or unpaid work that is not related to your employment;
  • Live in the UK for long periods of time through frequent visits;
  • Get married or enter a civil partnership;
  • Receive private medical care;
  • Receive public funds.

Successful UK Business Visitor Visas

Our team of experienced and professionally qualified immigration solicitors and barristers will be able to guide you through the process of making an application step by step and limit the possibility of failure by complying with the strict letter of law.

We also undertake a great deal of appeal work before the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal and have a successful track record of successful results for our clients. We have the experience and the knowledge required to take your case forward successfully. If you have had an application refused, contact us to discuss your case so that we can provide you with a case assessment.

Contact us so that we can review your case and provide you with an assessment.

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