
The situation
On July 6, 2018, the UK government issued a statement on the United Kingdom’s future relationship with the European Union.
A closer look
- End of free movement confirmed. The UK government confirmed the end of free movement of persons between the European Union and the United Kingdom at the end of the transition period on December 31, 2020. The government maintains committed to controlling the influx of foreign nationals into the United Kingdom.
- Controlled travel. The UK government also suggested that the new relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union would include a mobility framework, so that UK and EU citizens can continue to travel to each other’s territories and apply for study and work permits – similar to what the United Kingdom may offer other close trading partners in the future.
Impact
This statement is significant as it is the first clear indication of the UK government’s intended migration agreement between the United Kingdom and European Union after Brexit.
Looking ahead
The United Kingdom's Brexit secretary David Davis has resigned and has been replaced by Dominic Raab. The broader implications of further Cabinet replacements remain to be seen.
Please visit Fragomen’s Brexit microsite for more information.
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].
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