The Government has announced its immigration plan for European Union (EU) citizens who arrive in the UK after March 29 in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
In the case of a no-deal scenario, EU migrants will be able to stay in the UK for up to three years.
If Britain were to leave the EU without a deal, from 30 March, there will be an interim period where EU citizens can enter the UK as they do now.
However, following the end of free movement, those wishing to stay longer than three months will need to apply for permission under a new ‘European Temporary Leave to Remain’ scheme.
Individuals who obtain this status will be entitled to live, work and study in the country for a further three years.
Under the new immigration system, which will be introduced in 2021, EU citizens wishing to extend their stay beyond three years will have to meet the skilled-based requirements in a further application process.
The Home Secretary, Sajid Javid said: “If we leave the EU without a deal we will continue to deliver on the referendum result and end free movement once and for all – giving us full control of our borders for the first time in decades.
“However, we need to take a practical approach and minimise disruption to ensure the UK stays open for business.
“That is why we will introduce time-limited transitional arrangements and grants for EU citizens coming in after March 29.”
The Home Secretary emphasised that this policy does not apply for those in the UK before the exit day; their rights are protected by the EU Settlement Scheme.
