Brexit and Business Immigration

Napthens’ business immigration specialist, Angela Barnes highlights the key takeaways following the UK’s deal with the EU.

Free movement of EU* nationals into the UK ended at 11pm on 31 December 2020.

• • EU nationals who were resident in the UK before 11pm on 31 December 2020 have until 30 June 2021 to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme. If successful, they will be granted either Settled or Pre-Settled Status, depending on how long they have been continuously resident here.
  • EU nationals arriving after 11pm on 31 December 2020 will need to meet the requirements of the UK’s new points-based immigration system, which means that they will need to be sponsored by an employer and meet other eligibility requirements (relating to the skill and salary level of the role and also English language ability).
  • Any employers who wish to employ EU workers (and, indeed, non-EU workers) under the UK’s new points-based system will need a Sponsor Licence.

*reference to EU nationals includes EEA and Swiss nationals

For further analysis of the impact of Brexit on various legal disciplines, please visit our Brexit section or contact a member of the Brexit team.