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<p>The Home Office’s online right to work checking service has been in operation for
over two years. It enables employers to undertake free digital checks on prospective
migrant employees with a biometric residence permit or card, status under the EU Settlement
Scheme or the new Points-Based System. The online service relies on real-time information
from the Home Office about an individual’s status and checks can be undertaken remotely.</p><p>
</p><p>The online right to work checking service is part of our wider ambition to
develop a border and immigration system which is “digital by default”, including providing
evidence of immigration status. We are increasingly replacing physical and paper-based
products and services with accessible, easy to use online and digital services.</p><p>
</p><p>In March 2020, we introduced the COVID-19 temporary adjusted right to work
and rent measures, which allow for remote checking for those individuals, such as
British citizens, who cannot use the online right to work checking service. These
measures were intended to be in place for a limited period, as they do not provide
fully secure digital verification. The adjusted process allows document checks to
be undertaken remotely, via video call, rather than face-to-face and for scanned copies
of documents to be provided.</p><p> </p><p>We recognise the benefits this process
has brought to employers and are mindful of the potential shift towards increased
hybrid and remote working as the future model of many businesses. We consulted with
our employer stakeholder groups on the use of the adjusted process and our review
found the ability to undertake remote checks on all employees, not just migrant workers,
has been beneficial.</p><p> </p><p>Consequently, we are now evaluating the potential
for introducing a permanent digital option using specialist technology, including
Identity Document Validation technology (IDVT) for those who cannot use the online
checking service. This work will include consultation with representatives from employer
groups based in the UK about the value of such technology in carrying out right to
work checks, whilst maintaining the security and integrity of our system in the long-term.</p>
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