Why more UK businesses should consider overseas hires

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There’s no two ways about it, we live and work in a global economy today. Consequently, British businesses are locked in an increasingly intense battle for locating and recruiting top-tier talent for their workforces, since more Brits are tempted to work overseas themselves.

Hiring professionals from overseas can be a remedy for UK-based business owners, securing access to a diverse talent pool, enhancing innovation and collaboration and strengthening their firms’ ability to compete on a global scale.

How to navigate the process of hiring suitable talent from abroad

At the heart of the overseas hiring process is the need for a sponsor licence, issued by the UK Home Office. Any business with a desire to recruit from abroad must have this, allowing them to sponsor candidates applying for Skilled Worker Visas. The sponsor licence is only valid for four years and must be renewed periodically to comply with the UK’s existing immigration policy.

The Skilled Worker Visa, which replaced the Tier 2 General Visa, is the main route for overseas hires, providing the position, required skillset and salary meet the necessary thresholds. From April 2024, the minimum salary requirement for Skilled Worker Visas has risen to £38,700 or the job’s going rate, whichever is greater.

Widen your talent pool

One of the clear advantages to hiring from overseas is the access to a wider pool of talent. You’ll have an embarrassment of riches in terms of professionals to recruit. This can be even more beneficial for UK businesses in certain markets where supply is constrained across Britain. This is becoming particularly prevalent in fields like healthcare, engineering and technology.

Embrace new perspectives and encourage collaboration

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Recruiting professionals from overseas is an opportunity to embed diversity within your workplace. We’re not just talking about cultural diversity, but also work diversity. People from different backgrounds may have different perspectives or new ways to challenge stereotypical approaches. All of which can help to turbocharge innovation and foster collaboration and creativity, resulting in better problem-solving and decision-making.

Grow your standing on the global stage

British businesses hiring overseas staff not only improves day-to-day operations at your UK headquarters, but it also enhances your reputation on the global stage. If your business increasingly operates in global markets, having foreign nationals delivering global expertise and insights can give you a leg up for expanding into untapped markets or regions. Multilingual employees are also invaluable when it comes to communications, negotiations and forging partnerships in overseas markets.

It's also fair to say that multiple hires of foreign nationals can help to generate a more resilient workforce. It’s about developing a base of agile professionals who are experienced and equipped to respond to challenges.

Of course, the process of hiring staff from abroad requires some careful consideration on the legal side of things. However, there are several long-term benefits for British businesses that make it a worthwhile investment in cultivating a resilient, more dynamic workforce.

For further reading around the subject, check out:

• Find alternative ways to grow your business’ reach and influence.

• How to unlock the power of a multilingual workforce.