Huge Confusion: UK Multiple Entry Work Permit - plz clarify

[sunandoghosh]

Huge Confusion: UK Multiple Entry Work Permit - plz clarify urgently

Hi EVERYONE,

There is a big confusion which i have faced and numerous google searches even have failed to let me find answer to the confusion.

I have arrived in UK on work permit which is valid for 2 years from India. My visa / Entry Clearance in passport says (among other things) -

Number of entries: MUTL

Observation: No recourse to public funds
Work (and any changes) must be authorised

Does that mean that I am having the status of " Multiple-entry work permits (MEWPs)" holder...???

I ask this because as u can see above the number of entries is MULT.

Also the reason why i am worried is bcz in numerous websites on net it states -

"Indefinite leave to remain: Time spent in the UK with a Multiple Entry Work Permit does not count towards indefinite leave to remain."

So does it mean that whatever time i am spending here in UK on my existing work will NOT count towards period for determining my eligibilty for Indefinite leave to remain...???

How do we identify either on the work permit or on the visa (entry clearance stamping) that its " Multiple-entry work permits (MEWPs)"...???

Plz helpp..............

Plz reply.........????

Thanks & Best Regards

sunando[/b]

[Dawie]

This is quite simple...normal work permit holders are given entry clearance certificates that allow the holder to leave and reenter the UK multiple times without requiring a new visa. This is what you have.

In addition, there is a special class of work permit called the Multiple Entry Work Permit which is described as the following in the Work Permits website:

Multiple Entry Work Permits
96. This type of permit can be applied for under any
category of the Business and Commercial
arrangements. It allows employees who are based
overseas to enter the UK on a regular basis within
the period of the permit to work for the same
employer. This type of permit is not required by a
person wishing to travel overseas for leisure or
domestic purposes.
97. Possession of this type of work permit means
there is no need for their UK-based employer to
obtain a fresh work permit every time they are
required to work in this country.
98. Multiple Entry Work Permits can be issued for a
minimum of six months and a maximum of two years.
Applications for this type of permit must be made
whilst the person is out of the country.
99. The employee will not be allowed to undertake
supplementary employment whilst on this type of
permit.
100. Spouses or civil partners, unmarried or same
sex partners and/or dependants (Please see the
section ‘What if the person has dependants?’) of
Multiple Entry Work permit holders must each have
separate permission to work in, and/or, if necessary
enter, the UK.
101. You cannot apply for an extension or a change
of employment application; a fresh application must
be submitted on a WP1 form if a further period is
required (SR1 form for Sponsored Researchers) and
the person must be out of the country whilst the
application is made.
102. If you want to apply for a Multiple Entry Work
Permit you should apply on a WP1 form (SR1 form
for Sponsored Researchers).

So as you can see the two are completely different and often confuse people.

You can find the paragraph above in the this document.