New Guidance for Frontier Workers Released

Tue 29 Sep 2020

The UK has provided additional guidance on the plans they intend to put in place for frontier workers in the UK ahead of the end of the Brexit transition period. You are considered to be a frontier worker if you are an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen who is employed or self-employed in the UK, but do not reside in the UK.

Position for those with frontier worker status before 31 December

If you are already frontier working in the UK before 31 December 2020, you will be able to retain your frontier worker status. However later this year, the Government will launch a frontier worker permit scheme which will enable you to apply for confirmation of your frontier worker status. Applications will be free and applicants will be able to apply online from inside or outside the UK.

Until 1 July 2021 you will be able to continue to enter the UK as a frontier worker using your valid passport or national identity card, however you will be expected to apply for the frontier worker permit as soon as the scheme is launched. From 1 July, you will need to present a valid frontier worker permit, as well as your passport or national identity card, to enter the UK as a frontier worker.

If you were previously a frontier worker you may also be able to retain your frontier worker status if particular circumstances apply.

Irish citizens will not need to take any action to continue working in the UK from 1 January 2021 and will not need a frontier worker permit but may apply for one if they wish.

Position for frontier working from 1 January 2021

Non-British and non-Irish workers who wish to begin employment in the UK whilst residing outside of the UK will need to apply through the UK’s Points Based System.

Our Immigration Team at Mazars are here to help you plan for the coming months. If you have any questions or queries relating to anything in this update please contact Sue Kukadia at sue.kukadia@mazars.co.uk