The scheme is designed for organisations who send employees to the UK for business on a regular basis or those with business interests or investments in the UK. Consular officials will generally consider companies eligible if they have operated in the UAE for at least 18 months and have sent 10 or more business visitors to the UK in the last 12 months.

Applications under the scheme are subject to reduced documentary requirements and the processing time is up to 15 working days, unless an expedited service option has been selected. Participants will be given access to a dedicated Account Manager for any queries.

Membership is free. However it requires a direct invitation from the UK Embassy. Alternatively, the company must be an existing member of the British Business Group in the UAE.

What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals

Eligible companies in the UAE should benefit from the streamlined Business Select visa scheme.