The Home Office have released guidance relating to the UK’s points-based immigration system post Brexit, which confirms that as the UK has left the European Union, Free movement between the UK and the EU will end on 31 December 2020 and from 1 January 2021, the UK will implement a new points-based immigration system that treats EU and non-EU citizens equally.
The Home Office confirm that it is their intention that EU citizens can continue to visit the UK without applying for a visa and in most cases, will be eligible to stay for up to 6 months. Post-Brexit, EU citizens will be able to apply for entry on arrival to the UK.
The Home Office’s guidance confirms that EU citizens can participate in a wide range of activities including:
- Tourism
- visiting family and friends
- short-term study
- business – related activities, such as meetings or events and conferences
Additionally, EU citizens can enter the UK multiple times during the relevant six month period. But similar to traditional visitor rules, they cannot live in the UK by means of frequent or successive visits. The guidance states that you cannot:
- work
- live in the UK for long periods of time through frequent visits
- get public funds
This is helpful information for EU citizens who are intending to visit the UK after 31st December 2020.
Equally, as noted in the document if you’re an EU citizen living in the UK by 31 December 2020, you and your family should apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living in the UK after 30 June 2021. The deadline for applying is 30 June 2021.
If you have any questions relating to this document or applying under the EU settlement scheme please do not hesitate to contact one of our experienced immigration lawyers.
