The Brexit Bill
The UK will officially leave the EU at 11 pm on 31 January 2020, ceasing to be a member state.
The Lords and MPs have formally approved the Brexit bill.
A draft of the Withdrawal Agreement was accepted by Parliament on Tuesday, despite the Lords’ efforts in trying to obtain a longer transitional period to protect businesses and to allow for a smooth transition for the government.
The Home Secretary, Priti Patel, presented the proposals to the Cabinet last week with the “political desire to consider not having the transition.” Among the opponents to this proposal is the Confederation of British Industry. They insist that at least 2 years must be given to firms to adapt to any new immigration system.
The Immigration White Paper proposed by Theresa May suggested a “time-limited route” of two years. Such a period was introduced as a result of the pressure from employers, who would find it difficult to immediately adapt to the new immigration rules.
However, as the Withdrawal Agreement has now been given the green light, the two years transitional period will be restricted to one year.
How long will the transitional period last?
The transition period is currently scheduled to end on 31 December 2020.
During this period the UK and EU will undergo extensive negotiations regarding future trade agreements and relationships.
EU citizens will continue to enjoy the right to freedom of movement. They will still be able to travel to the UK. Moreover, the UK will still be part of existing EU trade deals. Therefore, the UK will remain in the single market and subject to EU regulations.
Boris Johnson is also planning to impose strict new restrictions on lower-skilled EU migrants when the Brexit transition period ends.
The blueprint will give businesses and workers less than a year to prepare for a major overhaul of the immigration system, which is broadly modelled on Australia’s points-based immigration system, as unveiled by Mr Johnson days before his election victory.
New Immigration System Post-Brexit
Under the three-tier system, highly-skilled workers will have their applications fast-tracked. The government will establish a second-tier for skilled-workers; they will be able to enter the UK with a job offer. Low-skilled workers will only be allowed to enter if there is a specific shortage of staff in their sector.
Dianne Abbott, shadow Home Secretary, defined the PM’s restriction proposal “ill-informed and reactionary.” One which could have a significant impact on NHS, public services and other private sectors, such as hospitality and in farms. On a similar note, the Liberal Democrat’s home affairs spokesperson Christine Jardine described it as “utterly unworkable” and added that “to think the Home Office could implement the changes in the given time is a joke”.
Business leaders are worried that the sudden implementation of new immigration rules in 2021 could lead to shortages of workers in important industries.
Employers are also concerned about how difficult it will be to employ EU workers in low-paid sectors. Non-EU skilled workers are currently paid £30,000, but 76 percent of EU workers earn less than this.
Some parts of the UK service industry will be hit hard by a sudden change in the immigration policy. A quarter of the 3.2m hospitality industry workers are non-British, around 12 percent are EU citizens.
How can NA Law Solicitor help?
Brexit news is not always easy to understand, what to do after the UK leaves the EU can be confusing. We can help you with your immigration questions regarding Brexit. We can assist you with EU and EEA Immigration Applications, EU Settlement Scheme, EEA Family Permit Applications. For all our services, please visit us here.
As immigration law specialists, NA Law will guide you from the start and answer any questions you may have. Here, you will be provided with a tailored, cost-effective service with only your best interests in mind. If you believe you may be affected by Brexit or if you are an EU citizen unsure of your status, then feel free to contact us today.
