Brexit introduced a new era in the UK. It changed immigration policies and rules in ways we haven’t seen for decades. If you’re an immigrant curious about your work rights or the post-Brexit scene, it’s important to understand these changes.
At Remitly, we understand that immigration is an important avenue for improving people’s lives. This is especially true for those starting new lives in other countries or sending money home. With so many questions swirling around about the UK immigration system, this guide will clarify the key shifts and help you navigate the details.
UK immigration rules post-Brexit
Before Brexit, the UK followed the European Union’s principle of free movement. This means that EU/EEA and Swiss citizens could live and work in the UK without needing special permission. Meanwhile, immigration from other countries worked on a different system, which outlined various visa categories and skill requirements.
Here is a snapshot of the UK’s pre-Brexit immigration rules:
- Free movement: EU/EEA nationals had the right to stay and work in the UK for an unlimited period.
- Non-EU migrants: These nationals were subject to different visa tiers, such as Tier 1 for highly skilled individuals and Tier 2 for skilled workers.
- EU Settlement Scheme: Introduced in 2019, this scheme allowed EU citizens living in the UK to apply for settled or pre-settled status.
Key shifts in immigration regulations post-Brexit
After Brexit, immigration rules underwent substantial changes. The new policy stopped free movement with the EU; instead, it introduced a points-based immigration system for everyone, including both EU and non-EU nationals.
Key changes are as follows:
- Entry requirements for EU citizens: No automatic right to work or to settle.
- Points-based criteria: Applicants earn points for language skills, job offers, and salary thresholds.
- Skilled Worker visas: Focus on higher-skilled roles and sponsored employment. Learn more about obtaining a UK work visa here.
- Employer sponsorship: All employers hiring from outside the UK must hold a sponsor licence.
UK immigration rules after Brexit
So, how exactly has Brexit reshaped immigration to the UK?
New points-based immigration system
The new system simplifies and unifies rules for EU and non-EU migrants. Applicants generally need to:
- Have a job offer from an approved employer.
- Meet a salary threshold, which can vary by occupation.
- Demonstrate English language ability at a certain level.
- Fulfil additional criteria, such as educational qualifications or specialised skills.
This approach allows employers to hire internationally but offers stricter rules than before Brexit. The policy aims to attract “the brightest and best” while reducing lower-skilled immigration.
For full details about eligibility, refer to the UK Parliament’s explanation and GOV.UK.
Specific requirements for EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens
Previously, EU/EEA and Swiss nationals needed no immigration paperwork to work in the UK. Post-Brexit, they now face these new rules, too, unless they have pre-settled or settled status:
- Visa or immigration permission: Required for long-term work or study for those who don’t have settled or pre-settled status.
- Frontier Worker Permit: This is open to some EU citizens who work in the UK but live in another country.
- Healthcare surcharge: Many applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) to access the NHS.
- Travel: Short visits, usually lasting up to six months, don’t require a visa. However, working during these visits isn’t allowed without the correct visa.
Check out our previous on UK citizenship for more information about settling in the UK.
Impact on EU migrants
Undoubtedly, EU citizens faced some of the most significant impacts from this policy change.
Changes in the scale of EU and non-EU migration
The shift has influenced migration patterns in several ways:
- Decrease in EU migration: Because free movement ended, fewer EU nationals now come to the UK for lower-skilled roles.
- Growth in non-EU migration: The new system gives EU and non-EU applicants a fair chance, allowing talent from all over the world to enter.
Analysts state that net migration to the UK remains uncertain. However, sectors like hospitality and agriculture have required targeted solutions to mitigate the labour shortage, such as the Seasonal Worker visa scheme. Learn more about this visa here.
Influence on the skills and sectoral mix of migrants
The new UK immigration rules focus on skills. So, post-Brexit migrants are now more likely to have higher qualifications or better-paying jobs. This can affect industries like social care and construction, as employers in these fields relied heavily on EU workers before Brexit.
Key outcomes include:
- Skills gap: Some jobs, like those in healthcare and STEM, are on the official shortage list, now referred to as the Immigration Salary List post-Brexit. This makes it easier to enter these fields.
- Salary thresholds: Lower-wage sectors must adjust to meet the salary requirements.
- Student routes: International students from the EU or other places now follow a points-based student visa system.
Legal, economic, and societal implications
Impact on UK citizens and EU residents
Brexit doesn’t just affect newcomers. UK nationals living abroad in EU countries face new rules around residency and healthcare, too.
Many EU residents in the UK have secured their status through the EU Settlement Scheme. However, they might need to renew their pre-settled status or check if they meet the continuous residency requirements.
- Travel: UK citizens now have passport stamping and time limits when visiting the EU.
- Work mobility: Working in EU countries often requires additional permissions and compliance.
- Documentation: UK citizens in the EU—and EU citizens in the UK—need to pay attention to residency deadlines and ensure their IDs are valid.
The House of Commons Library provides updated information on how Brexit affects the rights of UK citizens living abroad and those coming back to the UK.
Economic challenges and opportunities
Some industries that depended on a free flow of EU workers now face staffing shortages and logistical issues. Other areas are seeing growth in global recruitment since the system isn’t just EU-focused anymore.
- Challenges: Hospitality, agriculture, and social care commonly note labour shortages.
- Opportunities: A larger talent pool is available for tech, finance, and healthcare roles.
- Business costs: Companies hiring from outside the UK must pay for sponsor licences and visa fees.
Societal reactions and perceptions
Brexit was a politically charged decision. Some see tighter immigration controls as a positive step toward protecting national identity. However, others worry about a possible decrease in cultural diversity and economic opportunities.
- Political debates: Supporters argue that limiting free movement helps British workers get jobs. Critics, however, say it stifles innovation and hinders collaboration across borders.
- Local communities: Many smaller towns want clearer enforcement rules and guidance on how resources can be used to manage changes.
- Media coverage: News outlets offer regular updates on changing public opinion, showing a continued divide in perspectives.
Get tips on settling in the UK here, including how to navigate work and culture.
Questions on post-Brexit immigration
How did Brexit affect UK citizens?
Many UK citizens living in EU countries had to adjust to new requirements for residency. Some had to register under local settlement schemes by specific deadlines. Today, people travelling to the EU for work must deal with extra paperwork or visa requirements, depending on the host country’s rules. Healthcare access also changed, with some losing automatic coverage.
Despite these hurdles, many UK nationals still live and work in Europe. Many prefer to update their status instead of moving, but others decided to return to Britain, citing uncertainty about future legal changes. The impact differs for each person, but staying informed and advanced planning helps Brits navigate post-Brexit challenges.
Are UK immigration rules changing?
UK immigration rules continue to evolve, especially after the shift to a post-Brexit points-based system. Skilled workers must meet salary thresholds and often require employer sponsorship. Student visas and short-term work routes also change from time to time, as the government makes regular adjustments based on labour needs and economic shifts.
Some jobs come and go from the shortage occupation list, so checking official updates regularly is essential since policy tweaks can occur with little notice.
Future developments in the immigration system
Since the UK is still working to optimise its immigration system, more changes could potentially be in the pipeline:
Potential advancements in rules and policies
Ongoing reviews by policymakers may refine or expand the points-based system. For example, they might adjust:
- Shortage occupations
- Salary thresholds
- Student visa pathways
- Post-study work options
New trade agreements or economic needs could lead to exciting opportunities in fields such as healthcare, engineering, or digital media.
Long-term forecasts for UK-EU mobility connections
Experts say that Brexit has changed how people migrate. While no one can predict the long-term effects for sure, over time:
- The UK might seek more mutual agreements with EU countries to boost cooperation.
- Labour shortages might prompt adjustments to the immigration system, especially in vital sectors.
- Skilled workers from non-EU countries could make up a bigger part of the UK’s future workforce.
FAQs
What was the UK immigration policy before Brexit?
The immigration system provided free movement for UK and EU/EEA nationals, plus a tiered visa system for non-EU migrants. EU citizens could work freely, but non-EU nationals needed specific work or study visas.
How has UK immigration changed since Brexit?
Free movement ended after Brexit, and the UK introduced a points-based immigration system. EU citizens now require visas for work in the UK, unless they have settled or pre-settled status.
What are the new changes in UK immigration rules?
Big changes include skill requirements for most migrants, employer sponsorship rules, and a points-based immigration system that applies to both EU and non-EU nationals.
How did Brexit affect UK citizens?
UK citizens lost their right to enjoy free movement in the EU. Now, they often face passport stamping and visa or residency rules in Europe. Some who lived in EU countries needed to register under local settlement schemes.
How does Brexit affect UK law?
The UK no longer follows EU directives automatically. The UK Parliament can make laws on its own, which has affected immigration laws, trade agreements, and certain workers’ rights.
How did the changes in immigration arising from the UK’s departure from the EU affect UK businesses?
Some employers struggle to recruit talent, especially in lower-wage sectors that previously relied on EU workers. Others adjusted quickly to welcome a global talent pool, seeing it as a broader market for skilled labour.
What has changed because of Brexit?
Beyond immigration, Brexit affected trade policies, travel requirements, and certain regulatory standards. Most notably, the end of the EU free movement reshaped labour market dynamics in the UK.
What was the main reason for immigration to the UK?
Historically, migrants came for economic opportunities, family reunification, or study. The EU’s free movement rule used to make travel easy. Now, the points-based system plays a big role in who can come, and why.
