Chapter 18 - Entry for non-work permit employment

18.11 - Overseas government employees Refer to ( Rules Paragraphs 160-168 )
An overseas government employee is a person coming to the United Kingdom for employment by an overseas government or employed by the United Nations or other international organisation of which the UK is a member.

Many persons employed by overseas governments or international organisations will qualify as exempt from immigration control under Section 8 of the Immigration Act (Chapter 5 gives guidance on who is exempt).

Requirements for entry clearance
The requirements to be met by a person seeking entry clearance as an overseas government employee are that he/she:

• is able to produce satisfactory evidence of his/her status as an overseas government employee;
• intends to work full-time for the government or organisation concerned; and
• does not intend to take employment except within the terms of this paragraph; and
• can maintain and accommodate himself/herself and any dependants adequately without recourse to public funds.

Entry clearance endorsements
Applicants in this category should be given entry clearance endorsed ‘D: OVERSEAS GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE for up to 2 years on code 4.'

Relevant foreign nationals who are granted leave to enter for longer than six months should be required to register with the police. (Refer to Paragraph 325(2)(i) of the Immigration Rules).

Refusals/Appeals
Refusal of entry clearance as an Overseas Government Employee attracts a full right of appeal.

Spouses and dependent children (Rules Paragraphs 194-199>)

Prior entry clearance is mandatory.

The entry clearance requirements for spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners and dependent children of persons in this category are the same as those for teachers and language assistants - see "Teachers and language assistants".

Unmarried or same-sex partners: ( Rules Paragraph 295J )

Prior entry clearance is mandatory.

For entry clearance requirements for unmarried or same-sex partners of persons in this category see "Newspaper representatives".

Dependants should be granted leave on Code 1 and for a period in line with the sponsor.

Refusals/Appeals
Refusal of entry clearance as the dependant of an Overseas Government Employee attract a full right of appeal, except where the principal applicant has themselves had their application for entry clearance refused.

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