ECB has issued the latest update regarding Managed Migration
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On 11 December the Home Office published its 'Statement of Changes' to the Immigration Rules. A link to the document below.
This policy will come into effect from 10 January 2019, and will affect all visas applied for and issued after that date. Those issued prior will need to adhere to the immigration policy that was in place at time of issue.
The headline changes are that the Professional Sportsperson definition has been amended regarding the introduction of time lapse provisions. To see the full definition please see page 4 & 5 of the 'Statement of Changes' document.
In brief, a person can revert to “amateur”, if they have not:
An addition to the definition is to include those who have an established International reputation in their chose field of sport. For example, those who only play T20 in the Big Bash & IPL and who do not play any other type of cricket. Will be classified as a Professional Sportsperson.
The Governing Body Endorsement criteria for the player/coach or coach only for the 2019 season is now on-line and found here.
Notes:
The ECB is not registered to give advice on immigration. Information on aspects of immigration policy and law can be found on the Home Office website.
It is essential for clubs to comply with the published Visa policy and clubs receiving non-EEA migrants must abide by these rules.
The policy is written for all sports. It is not cricket specific.
A professional/semi-professional outfit in cricket is a team that has first-class status even if the matches in which the individual plays are not classified as first-class. Including U17 and above and Academy matches.
An updated Overview document can be downloaded here.
If you have any questions on the above, click here to email.
Yours sincerely,
Paul Bedford
National Participation Manager (Leagues and Competitions)
The England and Wales Cricket Board, Lord's Cricket Ground, London, NW8 8QZ