Immigration: White Paper sets out post-Brexit rules for migrants

Low-skilled workers from EU countries will no longer have an automatic right to work in the UK after Brexit, under the proposed “new” Immigration Rules.

Home Secretary Sajid Javid mentioned that the proposed plan will not include a “specific target” for reducing the number of migrants coming into the UK. However, the much-delayed White Paper is expected to include the following:

  • Removing the current cap on the number of skilled workers such as doctors or engineers from the EU and elsewhere;
  • A consultation on a minimum salary requirement of £30,000 for skilled migrants seeking five-year visas;
  • Low-skilled workers may be able to apply for short-term visas of up to a year’;
  • Plans to phase out a new system from 2021

No cap on high-skilled workers

Significantly, the White Paper accepts a recommendation from the independent Migration Advisory Committee to scrap the current limit of 20,700 on workers classed as high-skilled coming to the UK using “Tier 2” visas.

Tier 2 is the name for the general work visas for non-EEA migrants who have been offered a skilled job in the UK. Eligible professions include nurses and doctors. There will be a consultation about the salary threshold of £30,000 amid opposition to such a cap from business and some cabinet members. The £30,000 minimum earnings rule already applies to non-EU workers in most Tier 2 visa cases but in the future it might be extended to migrants from the EU.

Contact Our Immigration Team

For expert advice regarding any aspect of the Tier 2 work visa category, or for expert assistance preparing a Tier 2 work visa application, contact our investment immigration barristers on 0203 384 3075 or contact us here.

 

 

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