Leaked Document Reveals Post-Brexit Immigration Plans

Last Updated on March 2, 2023

According to an article which first appeared on Smith Stone Walters, 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 revealed post-Brexit immigration plans that Britain will end the free movement of labor immediately after Brexit in March 2019 and introduce restrictions to deter all but highly-skilled EU workers.

Smith Stone Walters said the sensitive document, which was first obtained by The Guardian, “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 U.K. but U.K. employers will be expected to meet their labor requirements by hiring local resident workers.”

The document also describes, according to The Guardian, a “phased introduction to a new immigration system that ends the right to settle in Britain for most European migrants – and places tough new restrictions on their rights to bring in family members.”

The proposal has not been met with acceptance among senior officials and ministers, whom, according to The Guardian, have been trying to balance the demands of British businesses wanting to retain free movement.

Smith Stone Walters is encouraging all interested parties to respond to the MAC’s call for evidence on how the U.K.’s immigration system should be aligned with a modern industrial strategy.

Click here to read the article in its entirety and to get more details about post-Brexit immigration plans or visit Smith Stone Walters’ Brexit page for further updates on the immigration consequences surrounding Brexit.

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