In 2011, an annual limit of 20,700 visa grants was introduced by the UK government to restrict the number of non-EU migrants working in the UK under Tier 2 visas. UK firms did not encounter problems in the first four years until 11 June 2015, where the cap was exceeded for the first time .

On 10 June 2015, the UK government announced that a new blueprint is being devised to reduce demand for migrant labour .

With an aim to further significantly reduce non-EEA economic migration to the UK, the Migration Advisory Committee will advise the government by the end of 2015 on:
– restricting work visas to genuine skills shortages and highly specialist experts
– setting a time limit on how long a sector can claim to have a skills shortage
– a new skills levy on Tier 2 visas to increase funding to UK apprenticeships
– Lifting the salary requirements to curb businesses from employing foreign workers to undercut wages

With more stringent Tier 2 immigration rules, many firms may not be able to obtain Tier 2 visas for lawyers they intend to employ. The restrictions have also caused great difficulties in employing trainee solicitors. As a result, the UK may risk international law firms moving their offices outside of the UK to a more competitive jurisdiction .

The England and Wales Law Society have raised the criticism that any new Tier 2 restrictions would have a direct adverse impact on international law firms. Not only would this jeopardize the legal sector and the UK economy, but it would also occasion collateral damage to other sectors.

(Sources:
http://www.workpermit.com/news/2011-04-06/uk/tier-2-visa-major-changes-from-6-april-2011.htm
https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/news/press-releases/public-concerns-about-immigration-are-not-addressed-by-restricting-business-migration-for-professionals-warns-law-society/
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pm-announces-migration-advisory-committee
https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/policy-campaigns/consultation-responses/documents/migration-advisory-committee-review-tier-2-law-society-response-september-2015/)

In light of the announcement of new contract proposals for NHS staff by the UK Health secretary – Jeremy Hunt, 3,468 UK doctors applied for permission from the General Medical Council (GMC) for certificates to practice abroad. Australia has always been a popular destination for UK doctors, mainly because of higher pay and better working conditions, e.g. the salary rates can be up to 50 per cent higher and working hours are more reasonable. As a result, an increasing number of UK doctors and nurses are emigrating to Australia under the skilled immigration visas.

(Sources:
http://www.workpermit.com/news/2015-11-25/australian-skilled-immigration-uk-doctors-leaving-for-australia)

On 23 November 2015, SW partners Mr Eric Lui and Ms Heidi Chui, attended the Annual Cocktail organised by the Hong Kong Law Society held at the Hong Kong Club.

Members of the legal community attended the Annual Cocktail to network and socialise with fellow practitioners and distinguished guests, including the Honorary Chief Executive, Mr C Y Leung and the Honorary Secretary for Justice, Mr Rimsky Yuen SC.

Photograph of Mr Lui (on the right), Ms Chui (in the middle) and Mr Rimsky Yuen SC (on the left), Secretary for Justice HKSAR

Contact person: Mr Eric Lui, Ms Heidi Chui

In the wake of the terrorists’ attacks in Paris, the Hong Kong Immigration Department announced on 16 November 2015 that French visitors in Hong Kong affected by this incident can apply for an extension of stay if they wish to remain in Hong Kong. The Department also stated that special attention will be given to these applications and most would be approved on the same day. The department has also informed the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong of this arrangement.

On 16 November 2015, our associate Ms. Vivian Ji and Head of Business Development (China) Ms. Connie Yeung attended the 29th anniversary ceremony of Manivest Group which was held at the Renaissance Shanghai Yu Garden Hotel. A number of professionals, including lawyers and bankers from Hong Kong and Shanghai, attended this event.

Manivest Group was established in 1987, with offices in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Macau. Its group companies include Manivest Asia Limited, Manivest Trustee Limited and Manivest Advisory Limited. Stevenson, Wong & Co. already has an established business relationship with Manivest Group in many areas.

Please contact our Ms. Vivian Ji for any enquiries or further information about this event.

SW partner Ms Heidi Chui was invited by the Institute of Securities Dealers Ltd to be a guest lecturer for its members at the Continuing Professional Development Certificate Course. The course took place at the Hong Kong Chinese Importers’ & Exporters’ Association Clubhouse on 14 November 2015.

The theme of the presentation was “Insider Dealing: Lessons Learnt from Recent Cases”. Participants included personnel in the securities trading sector and senior management in various businesses. Ms Chui explained the legal requirements of the insider dealing offence, discussed some recent insider dealing cases and shared some insight that were drawn from those cases. The audience responded very well and commented that they found the session particularly informative and useful.

Mr. Jojo S.C. Choy, Permanent Honorable President of The Institute of Securities Dealers Ltd.

Please contact our Ms Heidi Chui for any queries or further information about this event.