Changes to immigration rules in the UK
If you are applying or planning to apply for a role based in Oxfam GB in the UK and you are not from the European Economic Areas (EEA)* you will need to know about the recent changes to the immigration rules. From 27 November 2008 onwards, Oxfam GB will be changing the way we support work permit applications.
Our ability to gain a UK work permit for potential employees from outside the EEA depends upon the skill level required for the job.
If we can demonstrate that we could not recruit for a position from within the EEA, it may be possible to help support a candidate in the first steps to obtain a work permit.
Historically we have found that we are able to obtain work permits for senior level jobs that require a specialist skills and experience. However, we very rarely obtain work permits for roles that could be filled by a candidate from within the EEA.
From November 2008 the Home Office needs potential candidates to meet a specific criteria including qualifications, age, English language ability, earnings and maintenance. These will be assessed via a points based system as part of the Oxfam GB recruitment process. To see if you have the potential to meet the criteria please go to the Home Office’s website
If a candidate is able to meet the required level of points required by the Home Office and is the successful candidate for the role Oxfam will be able to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship. A Certificates of Sponsorship Oxfam is a unique reference number that can help individuals secure the right to work for Oxfam GB in the UK. Issuing this number is the first stage of the application process to enter and work in the UK and will support the Work Permit Application.
*Please note that most EEA Nationals (Individuals from countries within the EEA) need not apply for a Visa to work within the UK. These countries include Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Irish Republic, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom. Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway are not members of the European Union (EU) but citizens of these countries have the same rights to enter, live in and work in the United Kingdom as EU citizens.
EEA Nationals, will still need to produce a combination of documents usually at interview stage, such as:
A valid EEA passport
or
A valid long birth certificate and National Insurance number in the UK
