European Commission Urges to Prepare for No-Deal Brexit

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].