Welcome to Britain

The new hurdles migrants will face

Before Brexit (up until 2019)

Freedom of movement with no rules or restrictions on travel between EU countries.

EU nationals already living in the UK must register with the Home Office for permanent residence.

Implementation period (2019-21)

EU nationals allowed to enter the UK for three to six months.

Those wishing to stay longer must register with the Home Office.

Migrants will have to provide their fingerprints, prove they have a job lined up and evidence of their income. EU migrants must show a passport at the border. An ID card will no longer suffice. A “light touch” online visa system will be introduced like the US Esta system.

The future system (2021 on)

A “direct numerical cap” will be applied to low-skilled workers.

EU migrants must have a job before entering, and will be barred from job-seeking while here.

They must prove they are “self-sufficient” and earn over £18,600 a year.

Low-skilled migrants will be allowed to stay for two years, high-skilled skilled migrants for three to five years.

Employers must prove they have checked whether British workers can fill vacancies before employing migrants.

May be restricted to occupations where there are shortages.

Tougher restrictions on those with criminal records.

EU migrants will be barred from bringing extended families.

The new rules will not apply to Ireland.

Refugees will still be welcome.