UK points-based immigration system – details released 

Brexit pulse alert: respond to the business impacts of Brexit

11 August, 2020

Brexit development

On 13 July, the UK government Home Office released additional information on the UK’s points-based immigration system set to be implemented on 1 January 2021. The system will replace free movement for EU/EEA nationals and will apply to EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA nationals alike. The additional information builds on the Home Office policy paper published earlier this year.

Top Brexit impacts

The key highlights from the further information document include:

• Confirmation that there will be no cap on Skilled Worker visas

• Confirmation that visitors will, in most cases, be allowed to enter for six months

• Confirmation that those already holding sponsor licences will not need to reapply

• An announcement that the Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT) is being removed

• New EU arrivals in 2021 will need to show a passport not just a national ID card to enter the UK

• Plans to create a new graduate scheme and “highly skilled worker” route were announced

• Further technical details, costs, etc. were also clarified

Actions for business

The latest update from the Home Office gives a better picture of the new points-based system and how it will operate. It provides more details for UK companies to plan for recruitment, talent acquisition and retention of key staff after free movement ends.

Businesses are advised to review their EU-UK travel lanes fully to understand the impact the new rules will have. Key actions may include:

• Reviewing your employee population: Make sure you understand how many EU citizens are coming to the UK each year and vice versa.

• Supporting your staff: Continue to review guidance about the EU Settlement Scheme and the support you’re offering to affected staff.

• Considering moves in the pipeline: If you have transfers planned for early 2021 consider moving these forward. Moving an EU citizen to the UK in December 2020 will be cheaper, less admin heavy and put them in a better position personally should they subsequently wish to settle, than if you moved them in January 2021.

• Updating your travel policy: Make sure all EU staff flying to the UK from 1 January 2021 onwards know they require passports not just ID cards.
  

To discuss specific support with your Brexit preparations based on this latest development contact: Deloitte Brexit Insight