Brexit Aftermath: Consequences for EU Migrants in the UK

June 23 will no doubt be remembered as a landmark day in UK history; this morning we woke up to the chaotic aftermath of the unexpected but clear decision by the UK general public: 52% out of more than 30 million people voted to leave the European Union.

This is the highest turnout at a UK election since 1992. Aside from the economical and political fall out from the “Leave” Vote, the immediate consequences for EU nationals in the UK are uncertain and likely to be wide ranging and far reaching.

Brexit: The Aftermath

Following the shocking decision this morning, David Cameron announced his resignation and admitted the country needed “new leadership.” It is unclear at this stage who this new leader may be but reports are already surfacing that Boris Johnson has “neatly positioned himself” to become a main player in any ensuing Conservative leadership challenge.

In legal terms, Article 50 of the Treaty on the European Union establishes the procedures for a member state to withdraw from the EU. Under this Article, the UK must notify the EU of its withdrawel and the EU will then be obliged to try to negotiate a withdrawal agreement with the UK. The results of the vote in itself do not provide the EU with notification – this must be done formally and in accordance to procedures put in place by the Treaty on the European Union.

Over the next few weeks, British and European leaders will begin negotiating the terms of Britain’s departure and it goes without saying that Britain’s exit from the European Union will affect the British economy and immigration policy. It is unlikely we will know the true consequences for at least a few years but it is likely that whilst terms of withdrawel are being negotiated, there would be no immediate changes to the immigration rules. This is because of the significant impact it would have on UK employers and employees.

Impact of Brexit for EU Nationals

Once Britain invokes Article 50, it will have 2 years in which to negotiate a new treaty to replace the terms of EU membership. This means that there will be no immediate consequences for EU nationals in the UK and free movement of people will continue. EEA nationals who have been residing in the UK for at least 5 years and have been exercising their Treaty Rights (by working, being self-employed or studying) may wish to consider their options for applying for a Permanent Residence Card. This would be equivalent to “Indefinite Leave to Remain” under the UK Immigration Rules and may allow them to naturalise as a British citizen after a year.

In terms of the near future, it is possible that Britain will negotiate an agreement which would continue to allow free movement between the UK and the EU (and it would certainly be in its interests too) but if this fails, it is likely EU nationals would face the same migration criteria which applies to non EU nationals wishing to live and work in the UK. The current immigration rules are restrictive and due to government policy over the years, change regularly.

UK Points Based System (Businesses & Workers)

Under the current UK Immigration Rules, those non EU nationals wishing to work in the UK, must be sponsored by a UK employer. The current points based system was introduced between 2008 and 2010 and has attracted much controversy over the years due to the harsh restrictions imposed on businesses and migrants.

For example, businesses wishing to sponsor migrants must first apply for permission to so, by way of applying for a Sponsor Licence. These applications tend to be complicated and if granted a Sponsor Licence, businesses are required to “police” their workers or face hefty fines. Further, employers are expected to pay these workers a minimum salary of £20,800 (due to increase to £30,000 in 2017) but this may be more depending on the job role the employee is required to undertake.

Initial reports indicate that it is likely the majority of EU workers in the UK will not be eligible to apply for a Tier 2 visa (working visa) as they do not work in “highly skilled” roles and are not paid the minimum salary as set out above. There is also a cap on skilled work visas so even if the EU national worked in a highly skilled role, there is a possibility they may not be eligible for a visa.

Conclusion

It is our opinion (and the opinion of many in the legal field) that Brexit is unlikely to make a significant difference to overall immigration to the UK. Britain is required to negotiate a new agreement and has 2 years to do this. There are currently 3 million EU migrants in the UK and the vast majority of them hold EEA Permanent Residence Cards. It is likely now, that EU migrants who are eligible, will be able to apply for naturalsiation and become British citizens. Those who do not have a Permanent Residence Card will be making applications to do so and it will be interesting to see how the Home Office cope with the pressure of processing these applications within the 6 month statutory requirement period.

If you wish to consider your options following Brexit or are concerned about your current position in the UK, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your matter and if necessary advise you of the next steps you should take in a consultation.

We are based in the legal epicentre of London, just across the road from the Royal Courts of Justice in order to ensure we get the best results for our clients.  We are minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice and other central London courts.