United Kingdom Leaves European Union
January 31, 2020
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At a Glance
- At 11pm GMT on January 31, 2020, the United Kingdom will leave the European Union, completing a Brexit process that started in June 2016.
- There will be transition period until December 31, 2020 where the United Kingdom will remain in the EU customs union and single market, during which time UK nationals will retain the right to reside and work in the European Union and vice versa, and freedom of movement between the European Union and the United Kingdom will continue.
The situation
At 11pm GMT on January 31, 2020, the United Kingdom will leave the European Union, completing a Brexit process that started on June 23, 2016.
Impact
The transition period means that Brexit will not immediately impact employers and foreign nationals since under the transition period that lasts until December 31, 2020, the United Kingdom will remain in the EU customs union and single market. During this time, UK nationals will retain the right to reside and work in the European Union and vice versa, and freedom of movement between the European Union and the United Kingdom will continue.
Looking ahead
On January 1, 2021, free movement rights will end for UK nationals travelling to the European Union and vice versa. A new immigration system will be introduced in the United Kingdom in 2021 that is expected to include, among other changes:
- Slower recruitment, substantial government fees and minimum salary requirements for skilled EU workers, while lower-skilled workers could be limited to one or two years’ stay or prevented from entering for work altogether, depending on their age and nationality; and
- A faster and simpler system for non-EU workers, possibly with lower salary requirements, although already-high government fees will likely increase.
Access Fragomen guides
Access Fragomen’s guide which contains advice for foreign nationals and employers on how to prepare for the new immigration system in 2021.
Brexit continues to be an incredibly complex and uncertain political issue that carries risks to your business. Please contact a Fragomen immigration professional for assistance in planning contingency arrangements.
For more information, please visit Fragomen's dedicated Brexit site, which contains news, FAQs, and analysis/commentary in the form of blogs, videos, webcasts and events.
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].
