Travelers warned of no-deal Brexit obstacles

British business travelers could face difficulties entering European Union nations, and companies could be liable for fines if national immigration rules are strictly enforced in the case of a no-deal Brexit, the international consultancy EY has warned.

British people traveling to the EU may be unable to carry out even basic business tasks without going through a long process of organizing work permits that could take months to obtain.

The European Commission has proposed visa-free travel for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period following Brexit, so long as Britain offers the same service to EU citizens.

However, the UK government said those needing to work or study during their trips — other than attending meetings, networking events, or conferences — may need to acquire a visa or permit if there is no deal.

Seema Farazi, head of financial services immigration at EY, told The Financial Times: “As of Nov 1, assuming a no-deal exit on Oct 31, business will have to navigate red lines across each of the EU27 . ... This is a sea change for UK businesses used to the flexibility that has come with free movement.”

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the UK will leave the EU by its scheduled departure date on Oct 31, with or without a deal.

If London leaves without a deal, British citizens will have to apply for work permits on a country-by-country basis if they do more than attend business meetings, networking events or conferences.

Business lobby group the Confederation of British Industry, or CBI, warned of “immediate overnight disruption” for UK businesses that send staff to the EU for work and said companies may eventually relocate operations and jobs to the EU as a result.

“While short-term disruption could potentially harm ongoing projects, in the longer term there is a real threat to the UK’s competitiveness,” said Matthew Percival, head of employment at the CBI.

Germany has prepared waivers for UK workers on stays of up to three months, but other countries have stricter rules.

Raj Najik, a senior manager at immigration law firm Fragomen, told the Financial Times: “Right now an employer can send a UK employee out to visit Europe without giving it a second thought,” said. “If we have a no-deal Brexit they will have to start questioning where they are going, what they are doing and whether they need a work permit.

“The basic rule is that if you are going to work, you will need a work permit, but countries have different definitions of work. If you are heading out simply to meet people then you will be fine. If you are doing more than you may need a work permit and that isn’t going to be quick,” he said.

Earlier this year, the European Commission said UK holidaymakers won’t need a visa even if there’s no deal, though British people will need to apply for a visa waiver to travel to member states after Brexit whether there’s a deal or not.