Brexit Update - Aug 2017
This historical event has come about in part due to people’s attitude toward immigration. A key focus of the Vote Leave campaign was the argument that Britain can no longer control its borders. A fundamental element of the EU’s single market is the right of free movement. This creates quite the conundrum for the person placed in charge of negotiating the UK’s exit.
What is going to happen?
At this stage and at least for the next few months…. not much. David Cameron will not activate Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty and instead leaving that up to his successor who is expected to be named in September. Once the UK then officially notify the EU that it wishes to exit it will have up to two years to negotiate the terms of the deal. No need for imminent panic.
Quite what the stance will be is fascinating though. If the UK simply impose the immigration rules on EU nationals the impact will be severe. Large corporations will no doubt start relocating themselves elsewhere in Europe rather than having to request multiple hundreds of Tier 2 work visas whilst families risk being torn apart. Don’t forget your favourite football team who now have half a team that needs a visa, if they qualify of course.
On the other hand they could simply negotiate themselves into the single market like Switzerland has but this comes with the free movement of goods and services which includes people. Nothing changes in this scenario. That however isn’t what drove millions to vote the UK out so selling this option won’t be easy and unlikely to happen.
The third option is to figure out how to meet somewhere in the middle and please everyone. Not easy.
What should you do?
Firstly keep reading the news and stay in touch with us. If you are in business with a large work force of EU nationals let us discuss the options. It may be wise for these EU nationals to regularise their stay in the UK with a Registration Certificate, Permanent Residence or possibly UK citizenship.
Those family members of EU citizens who do not have any physical proof of their UK residence rights can apply for EEA Residence cards, Permanent Residence or citizenship.
Maybe you have employees or family members living in the EU who are unsure of their rights to remain abroad.
What experience has always taught us though is that change to immigration policy does occur and preparation is the key to ensuring the least amount of disruption when it does. There are things that can be done now to reduce any risk you, your family or your business has to these changes.
There is no doubt that UK Visas and Immigration will see a big increase in applications from EU citizens which will impact services standards across the board. It already takes 6 months for EU documents to be granted so suddenly 2 years doesn’t seem that long to get things arranged.
Give us a call on +44 (0) 1933 448640 or email info@people-force.co.uk let us know your situation and let’s see how we can be of assistance.
What is going to happen?
At this stage and at least for the next few months…. not much. David Cameron will not activate Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty and instead leaving that up to his successor who is expected to be named in September. Once the UK then officially notify the EU that it wishes to exit it will have up to two years to negotiate the terms of the deal. No need for imminent panic.
Quite what the stance will be is fascinating though. If the UK simply impose the immigration rules on EU nationals the impact will be severe. Large corporations will no doubt start relocating themselves elsewhere in Europe rather than having to request multiple hundreds of Tier 2 work visas whilst families risk being torn apart. Don’t forget your favourite football team who now have half a team that needs a visa, if they qualify of course.
On the other hand they could simply negotiate themselves into the single market like Switzerland has but this comes with the free movement of goods and services which includes people. Nothing changes in this scenario. That however isn’t what drove millions to vote the UK out so selling this option won’t be easy and unlikely to happen.
The third option is to figure out how to meet somewhere in the middle and please everyone. Not easy.
What should you do?
Firstly keep reading the news and stay in touch with us. If you are in business with a large work force of EU nationals let us discuss the options. It may be wise for these EU nationals to regularise their stay in the UK with a Registration Certificate, Permanent Residence or possibly UK citizenship.
Those family members of EU citizens who do not have any physical proof of their UK residence rights can apply for EEA Residence cards, Permanent Residence or citizenship.
Maybe you have employees or family members living in the EU who are unsure of their rights to remain abroad.
What experience has always taught us though is that change to immigration policy does occur and preparation is the key to ensuring the least amount of disruption when it does. There are things that can be done now to reduce any risk you, your family or your business has to these changes.
There is no doubt that UK Visas and Immigration will see a big increase in applications from EU citizens which will impact services standards across the board. It already takes 6 months for EU documents to be granted so suddenly 2 years doesn’t seem that long to get things arranged.
Give us a call on +44 (0) 1933 448640 or email info@people-force.co.uk let us know your situation and let’s see how we can be of assistance.
