Bill Introduced To End Free Movement And Pave Way For Single Immigration System

At a glance

• The UK government has introduced a bill that is intended to end free movement from the European Economic Area (EEA) after 2020 and pave the way for a single immigration system applicable to EEA and non-EEA nationals starting January 1, 2021.
• While it does not set out in any detail how UK immigration will work from 2021, it will enable the UK government to introduce new stringent immigration controls for Europeans while loosening existing controls for non-Europeans.

The situation

The UK government has introduced a bill that is intended to end free movement from the European Economic Area (EEA) after 2020 and pave the way for a single immigration system applicable to EEA and non-EEA nationals starting January 1, 2021.

The legislation would clear the way for the United Kingdom to end its involvement in European free movement on January 1, 2021, after which a new immigration system would be introduced for all European and non-European nationals.

A closer look

The immigration bill contains powers to end the United Kingdom's involvement in European free movement. While it does not set out in any detail how UK immigration will work from 2021, it will enable the UK government to introduce new stringent immigration controls for Europeans while loosening existing controls for non-Europeans.

Impact

The bill is an important legislative vehicle, but in practical terms will make less difference to employers than the plans published by the government in February.

Looking ahead

Fragomen will track the passage of the bill. Most commentators assume it will be approved by Parliament. Plans for a new immigration system will largely be introduced in secondary legislation that is expected later this year, once the bill has passed.

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