
The situation
The European Commission has published a communication advising stakeholders to prepare for a ‘No-Deal Brexit’ or ‘Cliff-Edge Scenario’, which would occur if a withdrawal agreement is not agreed upon or ratified in time.
Both the United Kingdom and European Union remain committed to reaching a deal, but the European Commission is concerned that employers have contingency plans, in the event they are necessary.
A closer look
The consequence of a No-Deal Brexit would be that no specific arrangements would be in place for EU citizens in the United Kingdom, or for UK citizens in the European Union.
Impact for employers
The Commission calls on businesses to create a contingency plan in case of a No-Deal Brexit, if not yet in place. Specifically, the Commission urges businesses to assess the impact of this scenario on their employees’ situations and their business model and to make the necessary economic decisions and conclude any necessary administrative steps before March 30, 2019.
Impact for foreign nationals
The Commission urges affected citizens to assess the impact of a No-Deal Brexit on their situation and to conclude any required administrative steps before March 30, 2019.
Looking ahead
Fragomen is in close contact with European Union, national and regional authorities to provide information on client needs and to keep clients informed.
Fragomen can assist companies to screen their staff in the European Union and United Kingdom to identify solutions and create a contingency plan. Fragomen advises clients to do so now, to ensure sufficient lead time before March 30, 2019.
Fragomen will issue updates on Brexit as developments occur.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen
Blog post
Immigration Director Deirdre Murray explores the impact of upcoming employment permit changes on employers and workforce planning in Ireland.
Video
Director David Iannella discusses how Global Entry can help frequent business travelers navigate US entry more predictably and access TSA PreCheck.
Video
Manager Russell Hodges and Associate Gurpreet Phalora explain key UK immigration considerations for London Fashion Week 2026.
Advisory services
Senior Counsel Jo Antoons and Immigration Supervisor Elisabeth Kamm explore the EU Blue Card recast and its impact for employers, highlighting how hiring, retention and mobility decisions are affected.
Media mentions
Partner James Pack on US H‑1B updates and what employers should know for the upcoming lottery.
Immigration analysis
Manager Konstantin Schmid provides a practical overview of Swiss citizenship routes, eligibility rules and common reasons applications are delayed or refused.
Media mentions
Manager Pierangelo D’Errico discusses how recent changes to Italy’s citizenship rules are affecting applicants with Italian ancestry.
Podcast
Director Laxmi Limbani discusses how women are shaping the global space sector, the barriers they face and what is needed to support a more inclusive space workforce.
Media mentions
Senior Manager William Diaz outlines how immigration changes in the US and UK may affect workforce planning and mobility for the games industry in 2026.
Media mentions
Partner Julia Onslow-Cole highlights how global mobility is becoming a strategic, board-level consideration requiring careful planning, compliance and workforce management.
Video
Director Fatima Aydin outlines Ireland’s roadmap for increasing minimum annual remuneration salary thresholds and the implications for employer workforce planning and compliance.
Video
In this episode of the Fragomen FC, Partner Rick Lamanna, Senior Manager Jake Paul Minster, Manager Gustavo Kanashiro and Manager Sergio Flores discuss how immigration systems across the Americas shape football mobility, compliance and cross-border movement throughout South America.
Blog post
Immigration Director Deirdre Murray explores the impact of upcoming employment permit changes on employers and workforce planning in Ireland.
Video
Director David Iannella discusses how Global Entry can help frequent business travelers navigate US entry more predictably and access TSA PreCheck.
Video
Manager Russell Hodges and Associate Gurpreet Phalora explain key UK immigration considerations for London Fashion Week 2026.
Advisory services
Senior Counsel Jo Antoons and Immigration Supervisor Elisabeth Kamm explore the EU Blue Card recast and its impact for employers, highlighting how hiring, retention and mobility decisions are affected.
Media mentions
Partner James Pack on US H‑1B updates and what employers should know for the upcoming lottery.
Immigration analysis
Manager Konstantin Schmid provides a practical overview of Swiss citizenship routes, eligibility rules and common reasons applications are delayed or refused.
Media mentions
Manager Pierangelo D’Errico discusses how recent changes to Italy’s citizenship rules are affecting applicants with Italian ancestry.
Podcast
Director Laxmi Limbani discusses how women are shaping the global space sector, the barriers they face and what is needed to support a more inclusive space workforce.
Media mentions
Senior Manager William Diaz outlines how immigration changes in the US and UK may affect workforce planning and mobility for the games industry in 2026.
Media mentions
Partner Julia Onslow-Cole highlights how global mobility is becoming a strategic, board-level consideration requiring careful planning, compliance and workforce management.
Video
Director Fatima Aydin outlines Ireland’s roadmap for increasing minimum annual remuneration salary thresholds and the implications for employer workforce planning and compliance.
Video
In this episode of the Fragomen FC, Partner Rick Lamanna, Senior Manager Jake Paul Minster, Manager Gustavo Kanashiro and Manager Sergio Flores discuss how immigration systems across the Americas shape football mobility, compliance and cross-border movement throughout South America.
