experience in the group, which drives the project forwards. Everyone can continue to compete in the market without compromise, even as the working group does its job. The timescale for solid results
is to get provisional agreement to change in the system this year. By Christmas 2022 we intend to have a route map agreed with Ministers. We seek the smallest changes necessary to get the best improvement in the visa system’s regulatory infrastructure. Is the timetable ambitious?
Yes – it’s just as ambitious as the Government’s own stated intention to make the UK the go-to destination for inward investment. Indeed, it’s hard to see how they can achieve their objectives without also dealing with the barriers to entry facing business folk who are needed here in the UK to make the Government’s vision a reality. As an indication of the areas of
interest to the working group, these include the burden of evidence required for visa approval, the cost structure, the simplicity of the whole process and that central strategic question of proportionality – making sure the checks don’t outbalance the benefit. In my 13 years as an MP I
came to realise how easy it is for Government and civil servants to become risk averse to the point of ‘killing the goose that lays the golden egg’ – by suffocating it with bureaucracy. Arguably, that’s where
we risk being with the visa system. We’ve just got to make it easy for companies in the EU and the rest of the world to say ‘yes’ to the UK as their destination country. I’m confident we’re going to get
a very good outcome in this project. Governments want to do a good job, and it’s our duty to help them do that for relocation. Everybody wins. And who knows what other successes we can achieve after this one. In a world where a lot seems to be going wrong at present, here’s a chance for us all to do something right. That on its own is reason enough for you to get involved.
SHARE YOUR VIEWS So, the question I put to you is: are you interested in contributing to the working group? What do you feel will making the system work better? Let us know at
https://arp-relocation.com/ contact or call 01379651671 and we’ll be delighted to include your input, and talk directly to hear your opinions. Remember, there’s no need to share anything commercially confidential. We want your wisdom, not your secrets. Here’s your chance to make your views known and build your business in a growing sector. I hope you get in touch as soon as you can.
LEMBIT ÖPIK was born in Northern Ireland to Estonian parents. After graduating from Bristol University, he worked in Procter & Gamble in a global HR role. Lembit then served for 13 years as an MP, as Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and Shadow Energy Minister. Now he’s Strategic Consultant for Political Engagement for the Association of Relocation Professionals.
ASSOCIATION OF RELOCATION PROFESSIONALS The ARP represents the business relocation sector in the UK, reaching out to politicians and Government in the interests of promoting sensible, economically sustainable policies in the interests of the country. The ARP is eager to welcome all relocation practitioners as members. If you’d like to join, or to know more about ARP’s work, get in touch as https://
arp-relocation.com/contact or call 01379 651671. We’d be delighted to hear from you.
“ We’ve just got to make it easy for companies in the EU and the rest of the world to say ‘yes’ to the UK as their destination country.”
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