UK Immigration Update - November 2019
UK Immigration Update – November 2019
Mon 18 Nov 2019
BREXIT
An extension to the Brexit deadline has been agreed with the EU until 31 January 2020. This extension covers a period of three months as was predicted in the prior update. As a result, the immediate possibility of leaving without a deal has been prevented until at least that point.
Information with regards to leaving with a deal and leaving without a deal is not clear at present but the previously provided transitional end dates of 30 June 2021 (deal) and 31 December 2020 (no deal) are likely to be changed subject to what government is returned on 13 December 2019.
Potential changes to Immigration legislation are currently unknown but it is anticipated that transitional end dates for the EU Settlement Scheme and implementation dates for a new UK Immigration system will likely be changed regardless.
GENERAL ELECTION
A General Election has been called for the 12th December 2019 with results expected in the early morning of 13th December 2019.
It is difficult to make any predictions on what might occur in this election, or the potential repercussions of this on immigration policy. At present potential paths forward constitute the following:
- Policy remains the current status quo
- The previously discussed arrangements from the October 2019 update with dates updated
- Any number of different changes depending on what combination of parties or seats attempt to form the next government
The only thing certain at this stage is that legislation is not going to move forward during the election campaign and the current status quo is likely to remain at least until the 13th of December 2019.
NHS VISA
Boris Johnson announced plans for an NHS visa which would speed up processing times to allow for a quicker entry into the UK. The cost of the visa would be reduced to half of the existing application fee, while a decision would be guaranteed to be received within two weeks. NHS Visa applicants would also receive preferential treatment under the proposed new Points Based System with extra points being awarded to NHS roles. The plans are to counter concerns that the UK will struggle to recruit skilled staff following our departure from the EU.
GET IN TOUCH
If you have any questions in relation to the above topics or require assistance and guidance in relation to immigration planning for Brexit please contact:
Head of Immigration, Sue Kukadia – sue.kukadia@mazars.co.uk
Senior Immigration Manager, Michelle Askew – michelle.askew@mazars.co.uk
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