How will immigration rules change after Brexit?

The issue dominated the EU referendum debate.

Passengers going through UK Border control at Heathrow

Immigration dominated the EU referendum debate – with campaigners on both sides of the argument highlighting it as a key factor for their cause.

It is arguably one of the areas where the public could see the most changes after Brexit, such as to rules for travelling into Europe and for those coming into the UK once freedom of movement ends.

But the extent to which the changes will be felt will depend on the agreements finalised during the ongoing negotiations.

– What immediate changes to immigration will there be after 11pm GMT on Friday when the UK leaves the European Union?

Essentially nothing will change immediately. Freedom of movement will continue until at least the end of the year while the UK enters a transition period.

The Government said that means “the current rules on travel for the UK and EU will continue to apply during the transition period”.

UK nationals will still be able to live and work in the EU as they currently do. The same applies for EU nationals in the UK.

– What happens next?

Freedom of movement will end after the transition period. This could take place in January 2021, depending on how long the negotiations take.

After that, the Government wants to bring in an Australian-style points-based immigration system to determine who can live and work in the UK.

European citizens and their families already living in the UK will also need to have applied and been approved by the EU Settlement Scheme in order to remain in the country.