No deal Brexit: Government announces Temporary Leave to Remain for EU Citizens
Free Movement as we know it will end as soon as the UK leaves the European Union.
However, the UK government has assured citizens and businesses that there will be no immediate ‘cliff edge’ of EU migration after Brexit.
No-deal Brexit: Government announces Temporary Leave to Remain for EU Citizens
To the relief of many, the Home Office announced this week that there will be an ‘interim period’. In this time frame, EEA citizens will still be able to work, live or study in the UK – even in the event of coming to the UK after a no-deal Brexit.
This “interim period” is set to come into effect as soon as the UK leaves the EU. The idea is that this time frame will allow a gentler transition for the UK as it moves from Free Movement into a “skills-based” immigration system. This plan will be applicable to all non-UK migrants after 31 December 2020. The Government explains the interim is necessary since it “will take some time to implement this new system”.
Only after December 2020 will, EU migrants face visa regulations and immigration rules. Such a move will safeguard many UK businesses and industries from an immediate loss to their EU talent pools.
Brexit no-deal: What’s the situation now?
Fortunately, EEA citizens who fall short at applying for the EU Settlement Scheme can rest assured. Even in the event of a ‘no deal’, EU migrants will be able to enter the UK under an alternative scheme.
EEA nationals will be able to enter the UK before the “skills-based” immigration plan is launched in 2021. Migrants will not need to pay nor will they need to apply for a visa to enter. However, EU citizens will only be eligible to enter and work in the UK this way for a maximum of three months.