Immigration Industry Association Responds to UK Future Immigration Policy

LONDON, October 2, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

Theresa May today outlined the future Immigration policy for the UK. In her speech, The Prime Minister outlined her Government's proposal to have low skilled employment filled by Britons in the first instance. This is a major blow for many EU Nationals looking to a future in the UK. Additionally, the proposal extends to limit specific visas to attract skilled workers to the country.

The system outlined specifically by the Prime Minister is in line with other countries current immigration policies - such as Australia, Canada and New Zealand, to the extent that skilled migration is predicated by industry demand.

However, this is certain to leave an increased gap in the labour marketplace between the pre and post Brexit deadline. EU nationals are already facing an uncertain future, with the upcoming termination of the EU law based Permanent Residence scheme in the UK and the introduction of the anticipated 'Settled Status' scheme. To date, the Government has not provided full details of how the process will work for all EU nationals beyond those with relatively simple and straight forward circumstances. What is certain is the UK Permanent Residence status confirmation application process can be completed now under EU law. After Brexit, EU nationals holding a Permanent Residence card will be able to get the 'Settled Status' at no cost, however the process is not completely clear yet for those who do not hold this card, particularly those who might have complex circumstances or do not have data that can be easily retrieved from HMRC and other agencies.

Chris Galway from the Immigration Industry Association stated today "I would encourage all EU nationals to get their UK Permanent Residence status confirmed as soon as possible." He went on to say "The sudden change to the immigration policy as well as uncertainty currently being experienced by the population and business does not instil confidence."

EU Nationals looking to get their UK Permanent Residence confirmed now can purchase a kit from companies like Do Your Own Visa (https://doyourownvisa.com/) or in WH Smith High Street stores around the country. Individuals and companies are both being encouraged to get their workforce ready for these sudden changes.

Lloyd Gofton - lloyd@liberatemedia.com - +44-(0)7919-353-484