Leaked document reveals proposals

Hopes that Britain could continue to rely on EU workers after Brexit to fill in for shortages in its domestic workforce appeared to have been dashed this week as documents leaked to British newspapers highlighted the tough visa regime being proposed. Reports say that the U.K., after it leaves the EU, could introduce restrictions on EU migrants almost on par with those imposed on people outside the EU in some cases.

The highly sensitive draft document from the Home Office, leaked to The Guardian and dated August 2017, provides an insight into the government’s approach with regard to its negotiations with its EU partners, as it aims to deliver on ‘taking back control’.

Stricter controls

The document says that Brexit has offered opportunities for the country to place controls on migration from EU countries as well as those outside the EU. The options include: requiring EU nationals to seek permission to take up employment; requiring employers to attempt to recruit locally first; and restricting the length of time those in less- skilled areas are able to come to Britain to up to two years. The document also highlights plans to impose restrictions on family migration.

Over the summer, the government has commissioned the independent Migration Advisory Committee to undertake a study into the impact of EU citizens on the British economy, which it hopes will be used to help ascertain arrangements. The new arrangements will come into effect following an implementation period of up to two years. The document contrasts the success of Britain’s strategy of clamping down on non-EU immigrants with the rise in EU long-term net migration. It also notes that rules may not necessarily be the same as existing ones for EU nationals. “We will need to ensure any different rules for EU citizens as compared with other nationalities can be objectively justified in order to ensure compliance with our obligations under equalities law.”

While the document remains a draft, it is understood to have divided the Cabinet, business groups and others raised concerns. “The U.K. needs an immigration system which provides control while also enabling employers to access the foreign workers they need at all levels,” said the Institute of Directors in response. “It reads like a blueprint on how to strangle London’s economy, which would be devastating not just for our city but for the whole country. It risks thousands of families being split up,” warned London Mayor Sadiq Khan.