Exempt Vignette to Skilled Worker VISA…

[TokkaDokka]

For a current holder of an exempt vignette (both a physical vignette and a digital eVisa record) confirming exemption from UK immigration control due to employment with a diplomatic or international institution: how does the process for visa/leave application work?

From the Home Office guidance, I understand that a person who holds such exempt status cannot be granted leave to remain (such as a Skilled Worker visa) while they are still exempt. I also understand that the vignette or digital record serves as optional proof of exemption, but the exempt status itself is linked directly to employment with the diplomatic mission or international organisation.

I would appreciate any information on the following points:
1. In order to apply for and obtain a Skilled Worker visa (assuming sponsorship from a licensed employer), must an exempt status holder first cease their employment with the diplomatic mission or international organisation?
2. If the individual ends their employment before the expiry date shown on the exempt vignette (physical or digital), do they automatically lose their exempt status at the point their employment ends?
3. If the vignette or digital record still shows a valid exemption date after employment has ended, would the individual still be considered exempt and therefore unable to apply for leave? Or does exempt status end immediately upon termination of employment, regardless of the expiry date shown?

Due to the limited publicly available information on this process, I would be grateful for clarification on how exempt status interacts with visa applications once employment with the diplomatic institution ends