In a move signalling the end of free movement in its
current form, a tougher UK criminality threshold for
EEA citizens will be applied in order to keep out and
deport those who commit crimes.
The changes will be introduced alongside a new European
Temporary Leave to Remain scheme (Euro TLR) for EEA and
Swiss citizens and their close family members. Citizens
of those states moving to the UK after we have left the
EU and up until the end of 2020 will be able to obtain
a temporary immigration status lasting three years.
This will give businesses certainty that they will be
able to recruit and retain staff after Brexit.
Home Secretary said:
On 31 October, we will leave the EU come what may.
Introducing tougher checks and ending free movement
as it currently stands will allow us to take the
first, historic steps towards taking back control of
our borders.
In the future, we will introduce a new points-based
immigration system built around the skills and talent
people have – not where they are from.
Further measures to be introduced after 31 October 2019
include:
- removing the blue EU customs channel, requiring all
travellers to make customs declarations by choosing the
red or green channel
- introducing blue UK passports later this year
- removing the rights to permanent residence under
retained EU law for those who arrive after Brexit
After 31 October 2019, EU citizens will still be able
to come to the UK for visits or short trips. They will
be able to apply for Euro TLR if they wish to stay
beyond 31 December 2020.
Applications for the scheme will open after the UK
leaves the EU and will involve a simple online process
and identity, security and criminality checks. EU
citizens will receive a digital status lasting three
years entitling them to work and rent property during
this period. EU citizens wishing to stay on in the UK
after their temporary status expires will need to make
a further application under the new points-based
immigration system.
Employers and landlords will not be required to
distinguish between EU citizens who arrived before and
after exit until the future immigration system is
introduced from 2021.
For EU citizens who are living in the UK by 31 October
2019 and their families, they have until at least 31
December 2020 to make an application to the EU
Settlement Scheme.
On 15 August, the Home Office confirmed that over one
million people had been granted status through the
Scheme. There is a wide range of support available over
the phone, email and in-person, including a dedicated
Settlement Resolution Centre, to help people to apply.
