Ending Freedom of Movement – Works Both Ways

The UK Government will be  ending  freedom of movement from the  30th of March 2019 in the event of a no-deal Brexit.  This means that for the most part, EU citizens and their family members who come to the UK from the 30th of March 2019 will require immigration permission to enter the UK. 

The UK Brexit Immigration Bill Second Reading passed comfortably in the House of Commons. Out of the 650 who voted 297 MPs voted to end free movement and 234 voted against. You can see the list of them here: MPs voting

Sinn Féin have 7 MPs but they do not take their seats in Westminster.

The Bill is now before the Public Bill Committee which will examine it in detail and  will report by 7th of March.

There will be a gap between the new immigration laws coming into effect which has resulted in the introduction of a ‘European Temporary Leave to Remain in the UK’ application process.

EU and EEA citizens who come to the UK after Brexit and who wish to remain for more than 3 months will need to apply for temporary permission. This will be an online process and require the production of relevant documents. If successful the applicant will be granted leave to stay in the UK for 36 months. A fee is required.

Irish citizens are exempt from the process.

Works Both Ways – Reciprocal Arrangements

The ending of free movement  also applies to UK citizens wishing to work or stay in the 27 nations of  rEU. It is not yet clear how this will be applied. You can find out more here: Living in Country Guides as it becomes available.

 Reporter: Fiona Grahame