The UK exited the European Union on 31st January 2020. Due to that, there will be quite some changes in the immigration rules, more so the ones touching on travelling to the European Union or the UK. Note that due to Brexit, there is no freedom of movement between the UK and the European Union.
The Instant Immigration Changes
At the moment, there are no immediate changes to immigration. The transition period that has been put in place was twelve months, and we are yet to start experiencing the changes. As in the time of writing, the transition period is almost coming to an end, and until then, there will be freedom of movement between the UK and the European Union.
It was made clear that the visa rules for travelling between the UK and the European Union will remain the same throughout the transition period. During this time, the UK citizens will be able to work and live in the EU as usual. The same applies to the EU nationals working and living in the UK.
What Will Happen Next?
After the end of the transition period, the freedom of movement shall no longer be there. However, this will be based on negotiations that will be carried out in January 2021.
By the end of 2020, the primary intention of the UK is to introduce a points-based immigration system. It will be similar to the one applied in Australia. People from the European Nations working and living in the UK will have to apply and seek approval from the EU Settlement Scheme so that they keep living in the UK.
How Brexit Will Affect the UK Nationals in The EU
At the moment, there are no rules to determine what happens to the UK nationals living, working, or studying in the EU. It is believed that each of the two countries will have unique rules based on the outcomes of undergoing negotiation with the UK.
How Does the Points-Based Immigration System Work?
In points-based immigration, applicants are awarded points based on certain parameters. The candidates who attain or surpass the required number of points or those that get the highest number of points are allowed into the country. This type of immigration system is based on annual data.
The points-based immigration system is applied in Australia. In Australia, applicants are given points based on parameters that are economically relevant. For instance, work experience, education, language skills, etc. To get a visa, applicants are required to meet the points criteria.
The Reapplication of Visas
All immigrants working in the UK might face some challenges based on the new policies that will be put in place. It is believed that once the negotiation is done, all immigrants currently working in the UK will have to apply for new visas after a given period.
For instance, if you are currently an immigrant working in the UK, you will be asked to indicate a valid permit to show that you are legally in the UK. But this might be a huge challenge, especially when you are planning to work permanently in the UK.
Thankfully, you don’t have to be employed in the UK to apply for a visa. The challenge, however, is that the visa will have a maximum validity of one year. What this means that ones the current visa has expired, you will be required to exit the UK and apply for another one.
Besides being time-consuming, the process might be inconveniencing for those who have secured permanent employment in the UK. For the application, to get a new visa, the applicants must have stayed in the UK for at least twelve months.
The UK Resident Status
The Brexit will also have an impact on resident status. This comes as a result of the new regulations put in place for European nationals and non-citizens. Amid the development of new policies, there will be a lot of changes to the UK resident status.
For instance, if you have lived in the UK for more than six years, you will be required to apply for new citizenship. This is one change that will affect many people. This is because they have lived in the UK for many years, and have to apply again for citizenship.
How Do People React?
Brexit is one of the things that shocked the entire world, especially the UK citizens. Though the freedom of movement has not been abolished, already, there are some changes in the transition period that are already affecting life in the UK.
The economy has somewhat been shaken, and it is believed that more negative impacts might be felt starting in January 2021. It was a decision that was made in 2016, and since then, many UK citizens have exited the European Union.
The immigrants have been affected in that there are strict terms and conditions that must be followed. Whether you are currently in the UK or Europe, it is important that you get familiar with the new terms so that your job, life, or education is not negatively affected.
Final Thoughts
The reapplication for new UK citizenship is one of the major blows the Brexit has caused on the citizens. Note that the final conclusions will be made after the ongoing negotiations. Therefore, if you have things that need to be taken care of, then now is the best time. After the new rules have been put in place, you don’t be able to do much.
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