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Permitted activities in focus – everything you need to know about PA7 and Permitted Paid Engagements (with examples)!

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Categories: Video
Date published: 20/01/2025

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In this second episode, Alicja Bielawska and Jarmila Entezari, discuss the Permitted Activities and Paid Engagements: A Guide for Short-Term UK Visits. Whether you’re an HR professional, business owner, or interested in how immigration and employment law intersect, this guide will provide practical information.

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When planning a business visit to the UK, it is important to understand the rules surrounding Permitted Activities (PA) and Permitted Paid Engagements (PPE). These options allow certain activities without a visa, provided specific conditions are met. Here is an overview:

1. Permitted Activities (PA)

Permitted Activities allow individuals to carry out defined tasks in the UK without requiring a visa, as long as the visit is short-term and conditions are met.

Examples of Permitted Activities:

  • Attending meetings, conferences, seminars, or interviews.
  • Negotiating and signing contracts.
  • Conducting site visits and inspections.
  • Participating in educational exchanges or volunteering.
  • Performing remote tasks related to overseas employment (if this is not the primary reason for the visit).

PA7 (Specialised Tasks): PA7 covers employees of overseas companies visiting the UK to perform certain activities related to machinery, equipment, or technology under a contract with a UK-based organisation. Activities include:

  • Installing, dismantling, repairing, or servicing machinery or equipment.
  • Training UK-based staff on machinery or software.
  • Providing after-sales services specified in a warranty or service agreement.

Example Scenario: A company based in France sells machinery to a UK business. Under PA7:

  • A technician can visit the UK to install or service the machinery as part of the contract.
  • Supporting documents such as the service agreement and proof of return travel are required.

Eligibility Notes:

  • Nationals from visa-exempt countries (e.g., EU nations, United States, Canada, Australia) can engage in these activities for up to six months without a visa.
  • Border officials may request documents such as:
    • Invitation letters from UK companies.
    • Details of contracts or service agreements.
    • Evidence of return travel and funds.

2. Permitted Paid Engagements (PPE)

PPE allows individuals to visit the UK for short-term paid work for up to 30 days under defined conditions.

Examples of PPE Activities:

  • An academic delivering a lecture at a university.
  • An artist performing in a theatre.
  • A lawyer attending an arbitration hearing.
  • A journalist covering an event.

PPE Requirements:

  • The engagement must be pre-arranged and relate to the individual’s professional expertise.
  • Documents such as an invitation letter from the UK-based organisation must be provided.

Example Scenario: A university in the UK invites a professor from Canada to deliver a lecture. The professor is paid for the engagement and stays in the UK for three days, qualifying under PPE.

Eligibility Notes:

  • Nationals from visa-exempt countries may not need a visa but must present documentation confirming the short-term, professional nature of their visit.
  • Nationals from non-visa-exempt countries must apply for a visitor visa and include details of planned activities.

3. Comparison of PA and PPE

AspectPermitted Activities (PA)Permitted Paid Engagements (PPE)
PaymentNo payment from UK organisations.Payment allowed for professional work.
DurationUp to six months (commonly 2–3 months).Up to 30 days.
DocumentationFocus on contracts, invitations, and travel.Focus on invitation letters and payment details.
Example ProfessionsEngineers, consultants, technicians.Academics, artists, lawyers, journalists.

4. Important Points to Remember

  • Visa Exemption: Nationals from visa-exempt countries may not need to apply for a visitor visa to undertake PA or PPE. However, documentation and compliance with rules remain necessary.
  • Preparation: Supporting documents such as invitation letters, proof of return travel, and details of professional engagements or contracts are required.
  • Compliance: Exceeding the scope of PA or PPE can result in denial of entry or visa refusal.

5. Professional Support

If you are unsure about eligibility for PA or PPE, or if your planned activities do not clearly fit into one category, seeking advice from an immigration professional is recommended. Non-compliance can result in entry refusal, causing disruptions to your plans.

Conclusion:
Permitted Activities and Permitted Paid Engagements provide opportunities for short-term business visits to the UK. Understanding the rules and preparing appropriately helps ensure a smooth visit. Always seek guidance if there is uncertainty.

This podcast is for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Please note that the law may have changed since this podcast was published.

Call us now to discuss your case 03301070106 or email us at business@imd.co.uk.

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