Appearing before the House of Commons Home Affairs committee, Sajid Javid said that the freedom of movement for EU nationals would definitely end after Brexit and that there would be no “back door version” in a new immigration system the government is expected to detail later this year.

Balancing immigration targets and skills requirements

His comments came as another all-party committee of MPs issued a report calling on the government to review its target to reduce migration to the tens of thousands because of the need to hire overseas talent.But Mr Javid insisted that, post-Brexit, there would be no automatic right for EU27 workers to enter the UK. “There will be a complete, total end to freedom of movement,” he said.“Freedom of movement as we understand it today will end. There will be no version of that, no derivative of that, no back door version of freedom of movement.”Asked if this meant the government would not allow scientists, doctors and other highly skilled individuals to take up a job without a visa, he said, “We are not anticipating an automatic right for anyone, including those categories mentioned.“What we are ruling out is freedom of movement. That will clearly necessitate a series of changes to all categories of people coming to the UK. Specifically about, ‘Will this require a visa, will that require a visa?’ – we will negotiate that.”Mr Javid added the government intended to retain visa-free travel to the UK from the EU for visitors and tourists, and that there would be a “common sense approach” to European students.

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Related stories:

• Brexit and skills shortages 'dog economic prospects' Data shows UK economy starting to 'warm up'
• Businesses demand answers to ‘urgent’ Brexit questions
• Services demand continued access to foreign talent 

 For more related news and features, visit our Brexit section.  

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What would an immigration decrease mean for Scotland?

Meanwhile, a report from the Commons Scottish Affairs Committee said that cutting migration would hit Scottish population growth and the economy, and said the government should consider instead how to increase Scotland’s share of UK migrants.Recommendations in the report included proposals for a review to see how greater regional differentiation in immigration could be achieved. The MPs want the government to look at the operation of the visa cap on skilled, non-EU nationals to ensure it did not disproportionately benefit London and SE England.The committee also called for “substantial reform and simplification” of the current visa system; for students to be removed from net migration figures; and for the exemption of jobs on the shortage occupation list from the immigration skills charge.Pete Wishart, who chairs the committee, said, “The current visa system for non-EU workers is complicated and bureaucratic, and the way the current net migration target is enforced benefits London to the expense of the rest of the country.“Scotland’s future population growth is entirely dependent on continued inward migration and it appears that Scotland’s needs are not being fully met under the current system.“Our report makes practical, evidence-based policy recommendations such as introducing a work visa for agricultural workers and removing students from the immigration statistics that, if implemented, will go a considerable way towards safeguarding Scotland’s future labour needs and ensuring it remains a thriving, diverse society.“Nobody wants to see a return to the dark days of population decline and economic stagnation.” Relocate’s new Global Mobility Toolkit provides free information, practical advice and support for HR, global mobility managers and global teams operating overseas.Access hundreds of global services and suppliers in our Online Directory  

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