Our Services

UK Visas offer a comprehensive range of services for corporate clients and individuals.

Our immigration and visa application experts will take the time to understand your requirements before recommending the most appropriate service to meet your needs, all at a competitive price.

See all our Services

Individual Services

See all Individual Services

Our Services

News, Opinion

New UK Visa Regulations for Crew Members Cause Concern in the Shipping Industry

Jun 04, 2024

The recent changes in UK visa regulations for crew members have caused quite a stir in the shipping industry. The guidelines, which were updated in February, could leave overseas crew members stranded if their medical charges remain unpaid. This is a particularly concerning issue for seafarers who are joining a ship in the UK.

According to the new regulations, crew members may be refused visas to enter the UK if they have outstanding medical bills of two months or more from the date of invoice. Any medical charges of more than £500 that were accrued from 6 April 2016, or charges of £1,000 or more, invoiced between 1 November 2011 and 5 April 2016, are regarded as qualifying debts, and are issued in the seafarer’s name, even though the shipowner is liable for the charges.

As invoices are issued in the name of the crew member, it is the seafarer that could be ultimately responsible for unpaid charges, with some exceptions to this rule. This is a major cause for concern, as it could potentially leave seafarers in a precarious situation, unable to join a ship and earn a living.

In our opinion, these new regulations are unfair and unjust. The responsibility for these charges should lie with the shipowners, who are ultimately responsible for the health and well-being of their crew members.

Furthermore, these regulations could have a detrimental impact on the shipping industry. If crew members are unable to join ships due to unpaid medical charges, this could result in delays and disruptions to shipping schedules, which would have a knock-on effect on global trade.

It is imperative that the UK government revisit these regulations and produce a fairer system that does not penalise seafarers for medical charges that are not their responsibility. The shipping industry is already facing enough challenges, and we must not add to these challenges by implementing unfair regulations.

We have a great relationship with the UK Visas team, who provide a prompt, professional service and expert immigration advice. They take the worry out of the visa process, working efficiently even when dealing with numerous requests at once.
Sarah Bond
Human Resources Advisor
I can honestly say everyone that I deal with at UK Visas are very efficient, super helpful and informative and extremely nice (especially Ana and Garima). Also patient with all my questions – nothing is ever too much trouble, and very prompt with their responses.
Jackie Thompson
HR Assistant
I’ve worked with UK Visas for almost 10 years now, and the support and advice never fails. From the sponsorship of new employees to training for the whole team, UK Visas are always extremely helpful and knowledgeable. I would highly recommend their services!
Helena Wittenbach
Head of Human Resources,
Having worked with UK Visas for more than eight years, I cannot recommend their services enough. We have worked with them on a wide variety of immigration topics, including complex licence matters (following acquisitions), day to day sponsorship processes, and reporting; and we have always received an amazing service.

Members of the team are responsive and come back to our queries quickly, they are always polite, and go out of their way to be as helpful as possible. Thank you to all of the team for the wonderful ongoing support you provide!
Amy Gadsby
Director, Human Resources - EMEA
We have worked with UK Visas for a number of years and the service that is provided is excellent.

No query is too big or too small. Always accommodating and helpful. Thank you team!
Louise Goddard
Executive Business Partner to CEO and the Board
We have worked with UK Visas for over 10 years, since we initially requested obtaining a Sponsor Licence. From day one, their guidance, communication, professionalism, efficiency and support has been and continues to be exemplary, with no request too much.

Thank you and we look forward to continuing the relationship.
Sara Searle
Head of Human Resources and Payroll
I’ve worked with UK Visas for over 6 years and always find them helpful, friendly and experts in what they do. I know I can always call them up or send them an email and I will get a detailed response, fast. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone to help and support with your visa journeys.
Gerry Weiss
HR Business Partner
We have been using UK Visas for many years and service is always expeditious, even as number of requests have increased in recent years. The team advise on a wide range of queries and are always supportive, informative and clear in their advice.
Jodie Plom
HR Administrator CVS Vets

Arrange a consultation

Contact our OISC advisor team

For more than a decade we have been assisting businesses and individuals with immigration and visa enquiries, providing sound advice and successfully handling applications.

Please submit your details via our online enquiry form and our expert team will be in touch to progress your enquiry. Alternatively, you may contact us directly on the phone number below.

[email protected]

01403 801801

Our Clients

At UK Visas, we're passionate about delivering exceptional service to our clients. We're excited to share their success stories with you and showcase our commitment to excellence.