Natasha Chell

Natasha Chell co hosted the latest IFSEA podcast on ‘What are the latest immigration challenges and opportunities facing senior executives and employers, both in the US and UK? – Reduced visa processing times, immigration due diligence during an M&A & introduction of HP visas’.

In this recording, Natasha Chell and Jonathan A. Grode, Green and Spiegel LLC (US), explore developments in US and UK immigration that have occurred since the 3rd IFSEA International Conference on Risk, Reward and… Show more

Natasha Chell co hosted the latest IFSEA podcast on ‘What are the latest immigration challenges and opportunities facing senior executives and employers, both in the US and UK? – Reduced visa processing times, immigration due diligence during an M&A & introduction of HP visas’.

In this recording, Natasha Chell and Jonathan A. Grode, Green and Spiegel LLC (US), explore developments in US and UK immigration that have occurred since the 3rd IFSEA International Conference on Risk, Reward and Reputation Management Issues for Senior Executives & Founders in June 2022.

In particular, Jonathan and Natasha discuss:

The reduction in processing times for US and UK visas and the positive impact on firms and senior executives.
What procedures will employers and employees need to follow to ensure immigration due diligence is maintained during a merger and/acquisition?
The introduction of the High Potential Individual (HPI) visa in the UK and the reasons that we have not seen the expected uptake in visas of this kind. Show less

This article explores the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the UK’s immigration system - the trends in migration patterns, the introduction of wide-ranging concessions, and the digitisation of the UK’s immigration system.

Commenting to the Recruiter magazine on the consequences for hiring new staff, Natasha Chell highlights the likely challenges to find low-skilled workers.

“However, sectors relying on low-skilled and low-paid labour from the EU – such as retail, hospitality, manufacturing and the care sector – will bear the brunt of the new system. The pool of workers will reduce, bringing challenges for these sectors forcing a review of business models.

To manage the immense administrative burden of processing millions of applications from EU citizens and their family members to obtain proof of their right to reside in a limited timeframe, the Home Office introduced a much more efficient system than for any other immigration application to date. Yet, for no apparent reason, it only allows applicants to use its technologically advanced system in the initial application phase. As a result, when applicants renew their passports which are linked… Show more

To manage the immense administrative burden of processing millions of applications from EU citizens and their family members to obtain proof of their right to reside in a limited timeframe, the Home Office introduced a much more efficient system than for any other immigration application to date. Yet, for no apparent reason, it only allows applicants to use its technologically advanced system in the initial application phase. As a result, when applicants renew their passports which are linked to their online immigration status, they are subjected to travel restrictions because of the need to send their new passports to the Home Office to be verified. Show less

In an effort to digitalise border control, the UK has introduced over 250 eGates at 15 air and rail ports designed to facilitate fast, smooth and secure entry to the UK. The Home Office estimates that over 1 million people have used the eGates since July 2019 so they are proving popular but travellers and sponsoring employers need to be aware of the pitfalls when using this automated system.

In a short video Natasha Chell provides employers with the key points they need to know to ensure… Show more

In an effort to digitalise border control, the UK has introduced over 250 eGates at 15 air and rail ports designed to facilitate fast, smooth and secure entry to the UK. The Home Office estimates that over 1 million people have used the eGates since July 2019 so they are proving popular but travellers and sponsoring employers need to be aware of the pitfalls when using this automated system.

In a short video Natasha Chell provides employers with the key points they need to know to ensure they are compliant with Tier 2 visa requirements. Show less

Following a weekend in which the UK sealed its exit from the European Union, Recruiter magazine highlights some of the concerns that are top of mind among businesses. In the article Natasha Chell warns firms face a substantial increase in cost and resources required to secure immigration permission for workers unless they enter the UK before the end of the transitional period, 31 December 2020. “So now is the time for businesses to review recruitment plans and consider bringing forward this EU… Show more

Following a weekend in which the UK sealed its exit from the European Union, Recruiter magazine highlights some of the concerns that are top of mind among businesses. In the article Natasha Chell warns firms face a substantial increase in cost and resources required to secure immigration permission for workers unless they enter the UK before the end of the transitional period, 31 December 2020. “So now is the time for businesses to review recruitment plans and consider bringing forward this EU recruitment. After years of Brexit uncertainty, strategic recruitment planning is essential as the countdown to the end of the transitional period begins.” Show less

Natasha Chell discusses the implications of the Prime Minister’s recently re-negotiated Brexit deal.

A Brexit deal would allow EU citizens to move to the UK until 31 December 2020 with the option to settle, giving employers some much-needed certainty and time to adjust to the new immigration system, expected from 2021.

Natasha Chell who has been shortlisted in the Woman of the Year – Business Services (SME) category in the Citywealth Powerwomen Awards 2020.

Natasha Chell has reviewed the Government’s Brexit White Paper and analysed the areas impacting immigration and post-Brexit rights of EU nationals and their family members.

In her comments to People Management Natasha notes with concern the scant detail provided with the White Paper’s mobility arrangements, marking a further delay for businesses urgently requiring substantive detail on post Brexit immigration plans. She also observes that currently the Government does not plan on… Show more

Natasha Chell has reviewed the Government’s Brexit White Paper and analysed the areas impacting immigration and post-Brexit rights of EU nationals and their family members.

In her comments to People Management Natasha notes with concern the scant detail provided with the White Paper’s mobility arrangements, marking a further delay for businesses urgently requiring substantive detail on post Brexit immigration plans. She also observes that currently the Government does not plan on releasing any further information on post-Brexit immigration policy until they receive the Migration Advisory Committee report in September 2018. This leaves employers in a position of prolonged uncertainty at a time of declining EU migration and a chronically oversubscribed Tier 2 (General) system. Show less

Natasha Chell comments on revised net migration data from the Office of National Statistics. Natasha highlights the challenges UK employers have been facing since the Brexit referendum in trying to recruit talent at a time of drastically decreasing EU net migration and an oversubscribed Tier 2 (General) restricted certificate of sponsorship (RCoS) system.

Natasha Chell reviews the Government’s Brexit White Paper and analyses the areas impacting immigration and post-Brexit rights of EU nationals and their family members. In her comments to People Management Natasha notes with concern the scant detail provided with the White Paper’s mobility arrangements, marking a further delay for businesses urgently requiring substantive detail on post Brexit immigration plans. She also observes that currently the Government does not plan on releasing any… Show more

Natasha Chell reviews the Government’s Brexit White Paper and analyses the areas impacting immigration and post-Brexit rights of EU nationals and their family members. In her comments to People Management Natasha notes with concern the scant detail provided with the White Paper’s mobility arrangements, marking a further delay for businesses urgently requiring substantive detail on post Brexit immigration plans. She also observes that currently the Government does not plan on releasing any further information on post-Brexit immigration policy until they receive the Migration Advisory Committee report in September 2018. This leaves employers in a position of prolonged uncertainty at a time of declining EU migration and a chronically oversubscribed Tier 2 (General) system. Show less

Natasha Chell quoted on the possible causes for the decreased number of employer prosecutions for hiring illegal immigrants, following changes to the Immigration Rules last year which lowered the legal threshold to ‘presumed’ knowledge. Natasha explains that this could be the result of an increasing immigration awareness among Human Resource teams who may already be well-versed with the Tier 2 sponsorship system and therefore more alert to the severity of potential civil penalties.

Natasha Chell speaks with People Management about the Tier 2 cap being reached and the effect this has on UK businesses. Natasha outlines some of the negative impacts a greater demand for Tier 2 visas will have on UK businesses, such as a sharp increase in the minimum salary requirement for qualifying positions and delayed start dates for new migrant employees.

Natasha Chell comments on the immigration hurdles Meghan Markle will need to navigate ahead the royal wedding in May.

Article 50 has been triggered and the UK will be leaving the EU. For around two million EU nationals currently working in the UK, and their employers, it is time to start planning. Failure to do so could risk serious negative consequences for both parties. What employers need to do immediately ...

After Theresa May finally fired the starting gun on the process of Britain leaving the EU by triggering Article 50 on 29 March 2017, the prospect of life outside the EU became even closer. BBC News interviewed a panel of experts in its Article 50 Brexit special including Natasha Chell, for their take on what this life may look like.

Immigration analysis: A European Parliament taskforce has been set up to investigate the UK government’s treatment of UK residency and citizenship applications since the EU referendum result. Natasha Chell, partner and head of compliance, at Laura Devine Solicitors, points out that while the government has attempted to allay concerns by stressing the importance of EU nationals to the British economy and culture, uncertainty over their future remains.

Charles' article discusses the challenges facing in-house counsel and includes comment from me from a law firm's perspective

My article examines how leaving the EU could affect British business' recruitment,

My article discusses the current UK immigration system

My contribution to LexisNexis Legal Insights re implementing the Vander Elst rule on EU immigration.

My article explains why employers need to review their procedures following changes to the UK's prevention of illegal working and civil penalty system.

My article explains the changes that were brought in on 16 May 2014 to the UK’s prevention of illegal working requirements and associated civil penalty scheme.

My comments published in Pay & Benefits Magazine re changes to the UK’s prevention of illegal working requirements and associated civil penalty scheme.

My article giving advice on one of the many red tape obstacles employers must deal with: Right to work checks.

My comments published in Treasury Today re some of the complex immigration rules and regulations that all must adhere to when working in the UK.

My article discussing the Immigration Bill and government proposals to control illegal working.

My comments published in Treasury Today re some of the complex immigration rules and regulations that all must adhere to when working in the UK.

My article discussing the implications for employers after the Government declares that “Firms have a duty to hire Britons”.

Recognised as a leading individual in Chambers UK 2020. “She is extremely professional in dealing with clients. Her ability to rapidly assess documents and apply experience from similar matters to reach decisions was invaluable.”