Free movement ‘could stay’ amid immigration system failings
The UK government could be forced to retain free movement of EU citizens “possibly for several years post-Brexit” because it will not be possible to implement a new immigration regime by 2019.
Task “impossible in two years”
IfG believes that even the task of registering and issuing new documentation to the three million EU nationals already in the UK will be impossible to achieve in two years.“The UK will need to provide EU nationals with the relevant documentation confirming residency in the UK, and member states will be responsible for doing the same for British citizens in the EU. The challenge for government is processing a possible three million applications with a system designed to manage a fraction of that. The Home Office needs either significant numbers of additional staff or a redesign of the process, or, better still, both.”The reports says the government could decide to keep the current immigration regime for a period post-Brexit to make way for a ‘phased implementation’ of a new system, pointing out that, unlike trade, immigration policy can be dictated by the UK alone.“But swift action is a priority, and securing the rights of EU nationals living in the UK and control of the UK’s borders are likely to be two of any new government’s biggest priorities,” the report adds.Related news:
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Current system not fit for purpose
IfG described the current system for registering EU nationals was “not fit for purpose” and said the Home Office could require up to 5,000 extra civil servants to cope with large numbers of applications and appeals.Jill Rutter, IfG Brexit programme director, said, “The political imperative for change in immigration is significant, but so is the administrative challenge.“The scale of the task – creating a new immigration system – is huge and it is critical that government gets it right.“The current process for dealing with permanent residence applications from EU nationals is not fit for purpose, as the government itself acknowledged. It needs to be streamlined as a matter of urgency and as a first step towards a new post-Brexit system.”Joe Owen, IfG researcher and report author, added, “Brexit is an opportunity to design an immigration system that is more effective for the country and less burdensome for employers.“It’s important that the Government avoids making multiple changes and introducing unnecessary disruption and confusion.“To provide stability, we should continue with the existing migration system until the new one is ready.”For related news and features, visit our Brexit section.Access hundreds of global services and suppliers in our Online Directory Get access to our free Global Mobility Toolkit©2024 Re:locate magazine, published by Profile Locations, Spray Hill, Hastings Road, Lamberhurst, Kent TN3 8JB. All rights reserved. This publication (or any part thereof) may not be reproduced in any form without the prior written permission of Profile Locations. Profile Locations accepts no liability for the accuracy of the contents or any opinions expressed herein.