Leaked: Post Brexit
Immigration Plans

7 September 2017

Proposals set out to dramatically change the immigration rules governing EU nationals  have been disclosed in a leaked Home Office paper.

The 82-page paper obtained by The Guardian newspaper outlines the government’s aim to end free movement in March 2019 before introducing new immigration rules to control the type and volume of both temporary and permanent migration from the EU.

These rules will not be finalised before advice is received from the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) and other independent stakeholders. The good news therefore is, this government document is very much a work in progress and reaffirms the Prime Minister’s intention to implement an initial two or three year transition period after Brexit during which time there would be ‘few changes to the current rules’.

Nevertheless, on completion of the transitional period, this document points the way to the introduction of a tougher immigration system for most EU nationals especially those low-skilled migrants seeking to work here.  Once such measures come fully into force not only will EU nationals and their family members no longer enjoy the benefits of free movement to the UK but UK employers will be expected to meet their labour requirements by hiring local resident workers.  The paper indicates that only those EU workers in “high-skilled occupations” will be entitled to secure long term permission to work in this country.

As this contentious issue gathers greater momentum, Smith Stone Walters encourages all interested parties (e.g. businesses, employers and recruiters) to respond to the MAC’s call for evidence on how the UK’s immigration system should be aligned with a modern industrial strategy. This is your chance to potentially influence post Brexit immigration policy. The consultation closes on 27 October 2017.

Check out our Brexit page for further updates on the immigration consequences of our impending departure from the EU.

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