The situation
The European Commission has published the agreement reached by the European Union’s chief negotiator and the United Kingdom’s Brexit secretary that free movement rights will continue during the Brexit transition period, March 29, 2019 through December 31, 2020.
A closer look
- Free movement. Within the European Union, there is free movement of workers, goods, services and capital, which includes certain related citizens’ rights, such as the right to settle in another EU country. This concession is in line with a recent UK Home Office proposal.
- Impact. Affected foreign nationals and employers now have confirmation of their rights, and have more time to plan for a post-Brexit strategy.
- Northern Ireland. The United Kingdom and the European Union have not yet reached agreement on the Northern Ireland border. Negotiators from both parties agree that Northern Ireland should remain in the customs union as an emergency fallback solution, if no alternative solution can be found.
- Impact. This confirms the commitment of the United Kingdom to avoiding a hard border, including any physical infrastructure or related checks and controls.
Looking ahead
Fragomen will continue to report further segments of the transition agreement as they are announced.
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] / [email protected]
Explore more at Fragomen
Media mentions
Partner Rajiv Naik discussed how UK employers can prepare for immigration reforms by reviewing policies and aligning mobility with workforce planning.
Blog post
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit discusses how the UK’s Immigration White Paper presents both challenges and opportunities, highlighting the need for a system reset to address immigration issues effectively.
Media mentions
Immigration Manager Virginie Todesco highlights how Luxembourg’s clear immigration system and strategic reforms attract global talent and employers.
Media mentions
Partner Kevin Miner noted that higher H-1B fees may have led employers to be more selective, though demand remains strong.
Awards
Fragomen was recognised at the Citywealth Magic Circle Awards 2025 with an award in the "Immigration Practice of the Year" category in London on 14 May 2025.
Awards
Fragomen is honored with multiple Expatriate Management and Mobility Awards (EMMAs) at the Forum for Expatriate Management’s Americas 2025 Summit in Dallas.
Blog post
Senior Associate Irfaan Amod outlines the challenges of obtaining a partner visa in Australia, emphasising the importance of providing comprehensive relationship evidence.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock highlights the growing uncertainty around how the UK government’s immigration plans will affect business planning and workforce mobility.
Fragomen news
Fragomen announces the opening of new offices in Warsaw and Krakow, welcoming Partner Karolina Schiffter and Practice Leader Małgorzata (Gosia) Jezierska.
Blog post
Senior Learning and Advisory Specialist Mona Ahmed outlines the key immigration and entry requirements for Hajj 2025 in Saudi Arabia, emphasising the importance of proper documentation and adherence to new regulations.
Blog post
Practice Leader Khalisha Sharifah, Director Jenny Lee and Business Immigration Director Maysie Pandor discuss evolving rules for labour market testing in the Asia-Pacific region amid a global talent race.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock comments on how new immigration rules could affect access to global talent for the UK construction sector.
Media mentions
Partner Rajiv Naik discussed how UK employers can prepare for immigration reforms by reviewing policies and aligning mobility with workforce planning.
Blog post
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit discusses how the UK’s Immigration White Paper presents both challenges and opportunities, highlighting the need for a system reset to address immigration issues effectively.
Media mentions
Immigration Manager Virginie Todesco highlights how Luxembourg’s clear immigration system and strategic reforms attract global talent and employers.
Media mentions
Partner Kevin Miner noted that higher H-1B fees may have led employers to be more selective, though demand remains strong.
Awards
Fragomen was recognised at the Citywealth Magic Circle Awards 2025 with an award in the "Immigration Practice of the Year" category in London on 14 May 2025.
Awards
Fragomen is honored with multiple Expatriate Management and Mobility Awards (EMMAs) at the Forum for Expatriate Management’s Americas 2025 Summit in Dallas.
Blog post
Senior Associate Irfaan Amod outlines the challenges of obtaining a partner visa in Australia, emphasising the importance of providing comprehensive relationship evidence.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock highlights the growing uncertainty around how the UK government’s immigration plans will affect business planning and workforce mobility.
Fragomen news
Fragomen announces the opening of new offices in Warsaw and Krakow, welcoming Partner Karolina Schiffter and Practice Leader Małgorzata (Gosia) Jezierska.
Blog post
Senior Learning and Advisory Specialist Mona Ahmed outlines the key immigration and entry requirements for Hajj 2025 in Saudi Arabia, emphasising the importance of proper documentation and adherence to new regulations.
Blog post
Practice Leader Khalisha Sharifah, Director Jenny Lee and Business Immigration Director Maysie Pandor discuss evolving rules for labour market testing in the Asia-Pacific region amid a global talent race.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock comments on how new immigration rules could affect access to global talent for the UK construction sector.