There are an estimated 3.3 million EU nationals living and working in the UK, and 1.2 million Brits living in the rest of the EU. As Brexit negotiations begin in earnest, the EU has highlighted the importance of resolving the thorny issue of EU citizens’ rights to free movement.
On 22 June 2017, the opening offer by the UK Government was for EU citizens already in the UK – and those who arrive during a subsequent “grace period” (expected to be up to two years) will be given the opportunity to build up five years’ worth of residence, thereafter allowing them to qualify for permanent “settled status” giving them the same rights as British citizens. The grace period could start at any point up to the date of Brexit and would allow EU citizens to regularise their status. The UK has proposed that the same arrangement would apply in reverse for UK citizens residing in Europe. This can be contrasted with the EU’s primary negotiating position which is that both UK and remaining EU citizens who have exercised their right to free movement would maintain those existing freedom of movement rights, including the right of current and future family members to join them.
It remains to be seen what the eventual outcome will be, and if a compromise can be found. In this article, we consider the current visa arrangements in the UK, possible alternative models and the impact of Brexit on EU nationals living in the UK.
CURRENT VISA ARRANGEMENTS
EEA Nationals: Currently, EEA nationals may travel freely in the UK for a period of up to three months, after which they must be working in order to stay (though there are other circumstances which may enable a prolonged stay e.g. self-sufficiency, study or job-seeking). After living in the UK for five years, EEA nationals automatically qualify for Permanent Residence. Individuals who have held Permanent Residence for a period of 12 months may be eligible to apply for British Citizenship.
Non-EEA Nationals: Non-EEA nationals may currently apply for work visas and permits to the UK in accordance with a points-based system. There are five tiers of entry to the UK under this system:
- Tier 1: high-value migrants (exceptional talent, entrepreneur, investor, graduate entrepreneur)
- Tier 2: highly-skilled worker (general, intra-company transfer, sportsperson, minister of religion)
- Tier 3: low-skilled workers (this tier is not currently operational)
- Tier 4: students
- Tier 5: youth mobility and temporary workers
Employers must obtain a sponsorship licence to be able to employ non-EEA nationals. Under Tier 2 of the points-based system, an employer may obtain permission to employ skilled workers who are non-EEA nationals provided the potential employee achieves a sufficient number of points and, in most cases, is only employed to do a job which cannot be filled by an employee from the UK or the EEA. The spouse, partner or dependant of someone who has been granted permission to work in the UK under the points-based system may also be able to work in the UK in certain circumstances.
A NEW IMMIGRATION SYSTEM?
While restricting immigration has been recognised as a key concern for people who voted for Brexit, with the results of the 2017 General Election there has been uncertainty as to how “hard” a Brexit the UK will pursue, and how many concessions will have to be made by the UK.
The original position of the UK Government was to look to secure a future for post-Brexit Britain outside the Single Market. This would allow immigration to be tightly controlled by the UK as the principle of free movement of persons would not apply. This can be contrasted with the possibility of pursuing EEA membership, which would require the continuation of the free movement of persons.
Brexit may be used as an opportunity to amend or completely overhaul the existing immigration system. It is likely that the agenda for a new set of immigration rules would seek to ensure that the UK remains an attractive place for desirable immigrants to choose to work, and that businesses are not unnecessarily restricted in who they employ, while still imposing sufficient restrictions on those entering the UK to keep immigration to a satisfactory level.
As matters currently stand, subject to protecting the rights of those who have already exercised them, all possibilities are being considered by the Government, including a possible alternative system whereby migrants would be required to have a work permit before coming to the UK, with ministers able to prioritise different sectors.
IMPACT ON EU NATIONALS LIVING IN THE UK (AND VICE VERSA)
No matter the outcome of the Brexit negotiations on this issue, as we explore in further detail below, leaving the EU in itself may not be sufficient to extinguish Treaty rights that individuals have already acquired.
Separation of family members – breach of human rights?
The separation of family members, including the deportation or removal of immigrants, can in certain circumstances be considered a breach of human rights.
In 2008 the House of Lords handed down a series of judgments on claims under article 8 “Right to respect for private and family life” of the European Convention on Human Rights (the ECHR) and confirmed that the rights of other family members must be taken into account when decisions were being made about the right to remain in the UK. The House of Lords specifically considered whether the fact that a person could return to their home country, and apply for entry to the UK from there, would justify removal from the UK. It held that this would rarely be enough to justify removal as a proportionate step, and in such circumstances article 8 rights could be relied upon to allow an individual to remain in the UK.
These cases are indicative of a general expansion of the protections that the ECHR affords individuals in the immigration context, and are likely to come into sharper focus as Brexit negotiations progress.
The Human Rights Act 1998 incorporates the rights in the ECHR into UK law. The ECHR operates entirely separately to EU membership and so these rights will not be affected by Brexit. The Government has spoken of replacing the Human Rights Act with a UK Bill of Rights but this has taken a back seat to the Brexit negotiations and would in any event still need to respect the UK’s International Law obligations under the ECHR. Post-Brexit, human rights arguments are likely to become even more prevalent at the stage of immigration appeals if the UK seeks to restrict access for EEA nationals or their family members.
PRACTICAL STEPS
As Brexit talks progress it is likely that more detail will become available on these points. For now, businesses and individuals likely to be affected should continue to comply with the current immigration rules as the UK currently remains a member of the EU subject to all of its rights and obligations.
Employers may also wish to explore various options to safeguard their position in the future. This could involve carrying out an initial risk assessment and identifying whether any key employees are currently relying on free movement rights. Individuals who are in this position may wish to explore options beyond free movement rights which could allow them to continue living and working in their chosen member state.