The British Government has set out provisions for EU citizens coming to the UK in the event of a no deal Brexit.
If Britain leaves the EU without agreeing a deal, the government will seek to end free movement as soon as possible and has introduced an Immigration Bill to achieve this. For a transitional period only, EEA citizens and their family members, including Swiss citizens, will still be able to come to the UK for visits, work or study and they will be able to enter the UK as they do now.
However, to stay longer than three months they will need to apply for permission and receive European Temporary Leave to Remain, which is valid for a further three years.
EU citizens wishing to stay for longer than three years will need to make a further application under the new skills-based future immigration system, which will begin from 2021.
“If we leave the EU without a deal we will continue to deliver on the referendum result and end free movement once and for all – giving us full control of our borders for the first time in decades,” said Home Secretary, Sajid Javid.
“However, we need to take a practical approach and minimise disruption to ensure the UK stays open for business. That is why we will introduce time-limited transitional arrangements and grant EU citizens coming after 29th March temporary leave.
“This policy does not apply to those here before exit day, whose rights to live and work will be protected by the EU Settlement Scheme. We want them to stay and value them hugely,” Javid added.
The latest information confirms that if there is no deal:
– EU citizens arriving in the UK who wish to stay longer than three months and apply for European Temporary Leave to Remain will be subject to identity, criminality and security checks before being granted permission to stay for three years.
– Non-EU family members who wish to accompany an EU citizen under these arrangements will need to apply in advance for a family permit.
– EU citizens will be able to enter and leave the UK as they do now, using e-gates when travelling on a biometric passport.
– The initial three months’ leave to enter for EU citizens will be free of charge but applications for European Temporary Leave to Remain will be paid for. Fees will be set at a later date.
– Irish citizens will not need to apply for European Temporary Leave to Remain and will continue to have the right to enter and live in the UK under the Common Travel Area.
The Home Secretary has set out plans for a new single skills-based immigration system which will operate from 2021. It will enable employers to attract the skills they need from around the world, while ensuring net migration is reduced to sustainable levels.
Article published 29th January 2019