UK Permits Work on Tourist Visa in 2024: Check New Guideline Here

Beginning 31 January 2024, the United Kingdom will implement new changes for those visiting the country on tourist visas. It will enable Visitor Visa holders to work remotely and with clients during their visit to the UK. Per the updated guidelines, visitors will have permission to work with foreign employers while residing in the UK. However, the primary purpose of their visit must be tourism or participating in other non-work-related pursuits.

Important expansions to the Visitor Visa activities include the following:

• Client Work Eligibility: Individuals who possess these visas are allowed to undertake client work under specific circumstances. This encompasses working within a company having branches in both the UK and abroad. In this case, the client-related tasks must be a small portion of their responsibilities overseas and are crucial for a project or service by their employer's UK branch. It's important to note that the visitor's employer from overseas should not deliver the project directly to a UK client.
• Work from the UK: Visitors are allowed to work from the UK. However, the primary purpose of their visit should not be to work remotely.
• Researchers, Scientists, and Academics: These professionals will have the opportunity to conduct research work in the UK. The exception will be for academic professionals who seek a 12-month visit visa or an extension while already in the country.
• Additional Activities for Lawyers: With Visitor Visas, lawyers can now engage in further work in the UK, such as providing advice, serving as an expert witness, taking part in arbitrations and legal proceedings, and teaching.
• Paid Participations for Speakers: Speakers who are visiting the UK on a Visitor Visa will get paid for their talks.
• Merging of Permitted Paid Engagement (PPE) Visitor Route: The PPE Visitor route will be merged with the Standard Visitor route. This will eliminate the need for a separate visa for individuals who are involved in paid activities. However, it's essential for them to plan their activities within 30 days of arrival.

These visa updates, notably the inclusion of remote work, are implemented to elevate business and tourism prospects within the United Kingdom. It has been previously pledged by Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt to broaden the spectrum of allowed activities and paid commitments under business visitor guidelines, commencing in January 2024. Additional reforms to these rules are also expected during 2024.