Unlimited EU Immigration will continue at least until 2021 even if there is no deal, Home Secretary Sajid Javid said on Monday (28).
EU nationals coming after March 29 will be able to enter the UK to visit, work or study even after Brexit day.
In the event of a No Brexit Deal, it was important to be “practical” and avoid “sudden shocks for business,” said Javid.
“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,” said Javid.
“However, we need to take a practical approach and minimize disruption to ensure the UK stays open for business. That is why we will introduce time-limited transitional arrangements and grant EU citizens coming after March 29 temporary leave.”
The policy, however, does not apply to EU citizens in the UK before Brexit. Their rights to live and work will be protected by the EU Settlement Scheme.
“We want them to stay and value them hugely,” said Javid.
Lord Green of Deddington, chairman of the Migration Watch think-tank, said this was free movement in all but name. “Yet again the Government has entirely caved in to the business lobby,” Lord Green was quoted as saying by Daily Mail.
“This is an astonishing concession before the situation of the 1million British people living in the EU has even been considered. Most of the public want to see a reduction in immigration, not to see it prolonged for years on end."
