
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The United Kingdom's Brexit secretary David Davis has resigned and has been replaced by Dominic Raab.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].
Explore more at Fragomen
Blog post
Counsel Susan Steger examines how wage-driven selection mechanisms in programs such as the H-1B lottery and PERM can create incentives for artificial wage inflation and introduce new compliance and workforce planning challenges for employers.
Media mentions
Director Gemma Hyslop examines how collaboration across the global mobility sector can help strengthen legal pathways and support for migrant women experiencing abuse.
Media mentions
Partner Abeer Al Husseini discussed immigration and duty-of-care challenges for employers amid Middle East travel disruptions.
Awards
Partner Sarah K. Peterson is recognized by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal as a 2026 Women in Business honoree for her professional achievements and contributions to the Twin Cities business community.
Media mentions
Immigration Manager Alice Heron explains how HR teams can navigate Irish immigration law and manage international talent effectively.
Media mentions
Associate Ilaria Iovieno and Immigration Consultant Devina Sanghera outline what the proposed expansion of the UK Right to Work Scheme means for housebuilders.
Awards
Partner Cynthia Shearn is recognized by Crain’s Chicago Business in its 2026 Notable Women in Law list, honoring her leadership in immigration and global mobility and her impact within the legal community.
Media mentions
Partner Emily Allen says the new H-1B lottery is driving earlier planning and more detailed preparation.
Blog post
Senior Business Immigration Consultant Ryaihanny Sahrom and Business Immigration Consultant II Fahimah Muhammad examine Indonesia’s newly launched Global Citizenship of Indonesia (GCI) program and its introduction of long-term and indefinite permanent residence pathways for members of the Indonesian diaspora.
Media mentions
Senior Immigration Manager Jonathan Hill notes that tighter UK visa compliance rules and new rating measures create additional challenges for universities.
Video
Partner Diana Quintas outlines key early career visa pathways and practical considerations for employers and graduates navigating entry-level immigration options.
Fragomen news
The Montreal office has added Partner Julie Lessard and Counsel Elsa Agostinho and Sophia Khanzadian to strengthen its immigration services.
Blog post
Counsel Susan Steger examines how wage-driven selection mechanisms in programs such as the H-1B lottery and PERM can create incentives for artificial wage inflation and introduce new compliance and workforce planning challenges for employers.
Media mentions
Director Gemma Hyslop examines how collaboration across the global mobility sector can help strengthen legal pathways and support for migrant women experiencing abuse.
Media mentions
Partner Abeer Al Husseini discussed immigration and duty-of-care challenges for employers amid Middle East travel disruptions.
Awards
Partner Sarah K. Peterson is recognized by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal as a 2026 Women in Business honoree for her professional achievements and contributions to the Twin Cities business community.
Media mentions
Immigration Manager Alice Heron explains how HR teams can navigate Irish immigration law and manage international talent effectively.
Media mentions
Associate Ilaria Iovieno and Immigration Consultant Devina Sanghera outline what the proposed expansion of the UK Right to Work Scheme means for housebuilders.
Awards
Partner Cynthia Shearn is recognized by Crain’s Chicago Business in its 2026 Notable Women in Law list, honoring her leadership in immigration and global mobility and her impact within the legal community.
Media mentions
Partner Emily Allen says the new H-1B lottery is driving earlier planning and more detailed preparation.
Blog post
Senior Business Immigration Consultant Ryaihanny Sahrom and Business Immigration Consultant II Fahimah Muhammad examine Indonesia’s newly launched Global Citizenship of Indonesia (GCI) program and its introduction of long-term and indefinite permanent residence pathways for members of the Indonesian diaspora.
Media mentions
Senior Immigration Manager Jonathan Hill notes that tighter UK visa compliance rules and new rating measures create additional challenges for universities.
Video
Partner Diana Quintas outlines key early career visa pathways and practical considerations for employers and graduates navigating entry-level immigration options.
Fragomen news
The Montreal office has added Partner Julie Lessard and Counsel Elsa Agostinho and Sophia Khanzadian to strengthen its immigration services.
