In past issues we have looked at the rules governing visitors wishing to come to the UK.

This month I shall consider the rules and regulations concerning visitors who wish to do business during their stay.

Visitors to this country may do business that is directly linked to their employment or business abroad.

They must however take extreme care in the activities they do undertake as they are not permitted to do work which would require a work permit.

Business visitors should get their salary from abroad but they may receive reasonable expenses from sources in the United Kingdom to cover travel and living expenses.

Persons wishing to come from a 'visa national' country will of course need a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK.

In order to satisfy the Immigration rules a business visitor must be able to establish the following:

The planned visit will only be for a maximum of six months;

Intention to leave the United Kingdom at the end of the visit;

Enough money to support and accommodate yourself without the need to work or reliance on 'public funds';

He / she normally lives and works abroad and that there are no plans to transfer the business base to the United Kingdom; and

He /she does not plan to work, produce goods or provide services in the United Kingdom.

Regardless of the type of visit i.e. whether as a business visitor or for example family visitor, all visitors to the United Kingdom, can only stay for a maximum of six months.