GF being charged a fee to get work - surely this is illegal?

tomp2494

My Filipino GF who is currently in the Philippines is looking for a job in the care sector. 

She knows someone over here, and their large well known agency are offering her a job. Only problem is they want around £7,000 for it. 

It is my understanding that this is illegal. 

Sponsorship must be paid by the employer (Total cost less than £2k including immigration surcharge)

Visa by employee  - less than £600 (cant remember exact amount) 

She is asking for a breakdown of the costs but it sounds illegal to me!

Can she request the fee is lowerd because its illegal? 

Or just not bother? 

Thanks! 

Marcon

The average cost of recruiting someone from overseas is around £6k per person. This amount varies depending on whether you choose to engage a solicitor and/or a recruitment agency, and what costs you decide to cover to attract your new recruits. One provider who chooses to use the services of both a solicitor and recruitment agency because it makes the whole process very straightforward for them reported that it costs C£12k per nurse. Another provider who uses a recruitment agency and no solicitor reported that it costs C£9k per employee.

It is important to be aware that recruitment agencies should not charge applicants to match them to roles. Any fees should fall to the employer, not the employee. Be cautious of any offer to match you to overseas recruits without charge as it’s possible that the agency will be charging the applicant which is contrary to the best practice guidelines defined by the Code of Practice for England.

Source: https://www.local.gov.uk/our-support/partners-care-and-health/care-and-health-improvement/adult-social-care-workforce/overseas-recruitment

I think that gives you the answer: just not bother, and look elsewhere.

tomp2494

Thank you. 
I thought this might be the case. 

Should I report the agency? Its very unfair that people are exploited like this....7k is a lot for a Filipino! 

Marcon

tomp2494 said:

Thank you. 
I thought this might be the case. 

Should I report the agency? Its very unfair that people are exploited like this....7k is a lot for a Filipino! 

£7K is a lot of money for anyone, but especially someone coming from a poor country. Assuming she definitely doesn't want to use their services in future:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pay-and-work-rights-complaints

TELLIT01

I could be wrong but the agency could be charging that amount to 'create' the required documentation to prove entitlement to work in the UK.  I would advise her to steer well clear of that agency.  As the OP is presumably currently in the UK they could try to contact Citizens Advice on the subject.

tomp2494

I have asked her to get a breakdown of the costs. 
In the email I have seen, which was sent to someone else, the cost of £7,000 was for "immigration experts", and includes the cost of the visa and the sponsorship. 

They also said there is no salary deduction in place to recover costs. 

Jackie1813

I didn't think you could bring people in from overseas for these jobs any more. I would proceed with caution.

Marcon

TELLIT01 said:

I could be wrong but the agency could be charging that amount to 'create' the required documentation to prove entitlement to work in the UK.  I would advise her to steer well clear of that agency.  As the OP is presumably currently in the UK they could try to contact Citizens Advice on the subject.

No - in the Philippines:

tomp2494 said:

My Filipino GF who is currently in the Philippines is looking for a job in the care sector. 

tomp2494

There is a shortage of carers. There is no law stopping firms hiring from overseas, so long as they meet the legal requirements and obligations.... 

TELLIT01

Marcon said:

TELLIT01 said:

I could be wrong but the agency could be charging that amount to 'create' the required documentation to prove entitlement to work in the UK.  I would advise her to steer well clear of that agency.  As the OP is presumably currently in the UK they could try to contact Citizens Advice on the subject.

No - in the Philippines:

tomp2494 said:

My Filipino GF who is currently in the Philippines is looking for a job in the care sector. 

Marcon, the OP says his GF is in the Philippines, but also says "She knows someone over here, and their large well known agency are offering her a job."  That, to me, suggests that the OP is 'over here' i.e. in the UK.

Marcon

TELLIT01 said:

Marcon said:

TELLIT01 said:

I could be wrong but the agency could be charging that amount to 'create' the required documentation to prove entitlement to work in the UK.  I would advise her to steer well clear of that agency.  As the OP is presumably currently in the UK they could try to contact Citizens Advice on the subject.

No - in the Philippines:

tomp2494 said:

My Filipino GF who is currently in the Philippines is looking for a job in the care sector. 

Marcon, the OP says his GF is in the Philippines, but also says "She knows someone over here, and their large well known agency are offering her a job."  That, to me, suggests that the OP is 'over here' i.e. in the UK.

Apologies - I was thinking of the GF rather than OP.