Immigration Minister: No Points-Based System for EEA Nationals in UK

This week, immigration minister, James Brokenshire, said the new post-Brexit UK immigration system might not be based on the points-based Australian style model, as was promised during the EU referendum campaign. The UK government recognises the current concern among EU nationals and UK businesses and employers following the Brexit vote last month.  There is still widespread uncertainty as the UK government continues to consider the options for UK immigration policy following Brexit. 

Post Brexit Immigration options for EU nationals

The Immigration Minister, has assured the public that work has begun on setting up a new immigration system, in relation to EU migration to the UK following Brexit.  The Immigration Minister stated:

The prime minister has said that free movement cannot continue in its present form. The Home Office work is to look at the various different options. “It is not necessarily that the points-based system is the right way to do it. There are other arrangements that could be considered as well

The immigration minister confirmed that the government will not unilaterally guarantee the future position of almost 3 million EU nationals who currently lawfully resident in the UK, until the position of British citizens in EU countries is secured.  He also indicated that under EU law, citizens of other EU countries have a permanent right to live in the UK if they have been in Britain for five years.  ‘Having established that right, I think as a matter of law, it would be virtually impossible to take then that away from them’, said the minister.

For EU nationals the current advice is to ensure they have a document confirming their right to reside and work in the UK.

Post Brexit options for EEA Nationals

Obtaining a document which certifies permanent residency is one of the measures an EEA national currently exercising treaty rights in the UK can take to secure his or her future in the UK.

Our immigration lawyers have seen a huge surge in immigration enquiries from clients who wish to settle in the UK following many years of exercising their treaty rights. Many EEA nationals we have spoken to over the last few years have become accustomed to British society and have made the UK their home.

However, following BREXIT, they now fear that their lives in the UK may become disrupted in the near future. Many have met and married British nationals and have decided to settle in the UK so they can raise their children here. Nevertheless, those who want certainty should consider their options of applying for an EEA Permanent Residence Card which will bar them from immigration restrictions.

Legal Advice for EEA Nationals Following BREXIT

If you wish to consider your options following Brexit or are concerned about your current position in the UK, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your matter and if necessary advise you of the next steps you should take in a consultation.

We are based in the legal epicentre of London, just across the road from the Royal Courts of Justice in order to ensure we get the best results for our clients.  We are minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice and other central London courts.