Cleaning Jobs Visa Application in Edinburgh, UK

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The cleaning, hygiene, and waste sector remains one of the largest industries in the UK. In 2021, there were 69,005 cleaning businesses in the UK, up from nearly 66,420 in 2020. The number of people employed in this sector in 2021 accounted for approximately five percent of the entire UK workforce, solidifying its position as one of the top ten biggest industries in the country.

In 2019, the industry contributed a substantial £58.9 billion to the UK economy, showing robust health even before the Covid-19 pandemic. This amount represented a £1.6 billion increase in industry turnover compared to 2018. All sub sectors within the industry, except for landscape service activities, saw a year-on-year growth in turnover. From 2015 to 2021, the sector’s turnover increased by 22 percent, reflecting its strength and resilience.

When it comes to its resilience, the cleaning and hygiene industry faced significant challenges during the pandemic, with frontline staff working tirelessly to combat COVID-19. The sector is competitive, with nearly nine in ten firms being micro businesses (employing fewer than ten individuals). A record number of job vacancies pose a challenge, and employers need to adapt to a rapidly changing workforce.

In summary, the UK cleaning industry plays a vital role in maintaining hygiene, supporting the economy, and providing employment opportunities. But before we dive into the knots and bolts of the visa application process for immigrants, let us first examine the different job opportunities available in the sector.

Types of Cleaning Jobs for Immigrants in the UK

In the UK, there are various types of cleaning jobs available across different industries. Below are some of the common cleaner job titles and their respective descriptions:

1- Housekeeper/Housekeeping Staff:

• Description: Housekeepers are responsible for maintaining cleanliness in residential settings. They clean rooms, make beds, vacuum, dust, and ensure overall tidiness.
• Typical Workplaces: Hotels, guesthouses, private residences, and holiday accommodations.

2- Office Cleaner:

• Description: Office cleaners maintain cleanliness in office spaces. They perform tasks such as dusting, vacuuming, emptying trash bins, and cleaning restrooms.
• Typical Workplaces: Corporate offices, business centers, and commercial buildings.

3- Window Cleaner:

• Description: Window cleaners specialize in cleaning windows, glass surfaces, and facades. They may use ladders, scaffolding, or specialized equipment.
• Typical Workplaces: Residential and commercial buildings, high-rise structures.

4- Carpet Cleaner:

• Description: Carpet cleaners focus on cleaning carpets, rugs, and upholstery. They use steam cleaning machines or other specialized equipment.
• Typical Workplaces: Homes, offices, hotels, and public spaces.

5- Industrial Cleaner:

• Description: Industrial cleaners work in factories, warehouses, and manufacturing plants. They clean machinery, production lines, and industrial equipment.
• Typical Workplaces: Manufacturing facilities, construction sites, and industrial settings.

6- School Cleaner:

• Description: School cleaners maintain cleanliness in educational institutions. They clean classrooms, corridors, restrooms, and common areas.
• Typical Workplaces: Schools, colleges, and universities.

7- Train Cleaner:

• Description: Train cleaners ensure trains are clean and presentable for passengers. They clean interiors, windows, floors, and seating areas.
• Typical Workplaces: Train stations and rail depots.

8- Hotel Cleaner:

• Description: Hotel cleaners maintain guest rooms, lobbies, and common areas. They change bed linens, clean bathrooms, and replenish supplies.
• Typical Workplaces: Hotels, motels, and resorts.

9- Domestic Cleaner:

• Description: Domestic cleaners provide cleaning services in private homes. They handle general cleaning tasks based on client preferences.
• Typical Workplaces: Residential properties.

10- Street Cleaner:

• Description: Street cleaners keep public areas clean by sweeping streets, sidewalks, and public squares. They remove litter and debris.
• Typical Workplaces: Urban and suburban streets, parks, and public spaces.

11- Healthcare Cleaner:

• Description: Healthcare cleaners work in hospitals, clinics, and medical facilities. They follow strict hygiene protocols to maintain a sterile environment.
• Typical Workplaces: Healthcare institutions.

12- Commercial Cleaner:

• Description: Commercial cleaners handle cleaning tasks in commercial buildings, including offices, retail stores, and restaurants.
• Typical Workplaces: Various commercial establishments.

Remember that specific job titles and responsibilities may vary based on the employer and industry. 

Visa Pathways for Cleaners in Edinburgh, UK

1- The Overseas Domestic Worker

The Overseas Domestic Worker visa is an immigration route designed for domestic workers who wish to work in the UK with their current employer for a period of up to 6 months. You can apply for this visa if you live outside the UK, work as a domestic worker in a private household, and have worked for your employer for at least one year. Domestic workers covered under this visa class include, Cleaners, Chauffeurs, Cooks, Nannies, as well as those providing personal care for the employer and their family

Duration 

You can use this visa to visit the UK with your employer for up to 6 months. At the end of the 6 months, you must return home. Note that this visa does not lead to settlement in the UK, and dependents are not eligible to join or accompany the main applicant.

Application Process

To be considered, you must apply up to 3 months before your intended travel date to the UK. The decision on your visa application typically takes about 3 weeks when applying from outside the UK. You may have the option to pay for a faster decision.

Pros and Cons of using this visa pathway 

 The Overseas Domestic Work Visa allows successful applicants to travel abroad and return to the UK to complete their stay. You will also be able to change employers to another job as a domestic worker in a private household (only if you do not stay longer than 6 months).

Alternatively, this visa class prohibits you from working in any other capacity except as a domestic worker in a private household. You also cannot live in the UK for long periods through frequent visits, nor will you get to access public funds.

Required Documents

To apply for an Overseas Domestic Worker visa, you’ll need to provide several supporting documents. These documents help demonstrate your eligibility and existing working relationship with your employer. Here’s what you’ll typically need:

1- Valid Passport or Travel Document: Ensure your passport is valid and up-to-date. It serves as your travel identification.

2- Proof of Funds: Show evidence that you can support yourself during your trip to the UK. This can include Bank statements, Payslips, and Other financial documents indicating your ability to cover expenses.

3- Appendix Domestic Worker Statement: You’ll need to complete an appendix domestic worker statement. You can download this form from the official website. The statement needs to confirm your status as a domestic worker and outline your agreement with your overseas employer.

4- Confirmation Letter from Your Employer: Obtain a letter from your employer that includes the following details such as Your job title, Length of service (how long you’ve worked for the employer), and Confirmation that you are a permanent employee.

5- Proof of Previous Employment: You will also be required to provide evidence of your previous employment, such as: Pay slips, Employment contracts, and any other relevant documents related to your work history.

2- The Skilled Worker Visa

The Skilled Worker visa is a work visa that allows international workers with the necessary skills to work in the UK for licensed UK employers. To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa, you must:

• Work for a UK employer that’s been approved by the Home Office.
• Have a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ (CoS) from your employer with information about the role you’ve been offered in the UK.
• Do a job that’s on the list of eligible occupations.
• Be paid a minimum salary (the amount depends on the type of work and the date you received your CoS).
• You must have a confirmed job offer before applying for your visa.

Generally, you must be able to speak, read, write, and understand English. However, you usually would not need to prove your English proficiency when applying.

Duration

The Skilled Worker visa allows you to live and work in the UK for up to 5 years. You can apply to extend or update your visa when it expires or if you change jobs or employers. Also, you can apply to extend your visa multiple times as long as you meet the eligibility requirements.

After 5 years, you may be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain, granting you the right to live, work, study, and access benefits in the UK indefinitely.

Application Process

The application process for this Visa class is online and based on your specific situation. If you’re outside the UK and have a job offer, you can apply from outside the UK. However, if you’re inside the UK and extending your current visa or switching from a different visa, then you would need to follow the relevant process. Your partner and children can apply to join you or stay in the UK as your ‘dependants’ if they’re eligible.