Brexit and the Impact on Free Movement from the EU into the UK

Since the United Kingdom's decision to leave the European Union (EU), the landscape of free movement between EU countries and the UK has undergone significant changes. This article explores how Brexit has affected the rights of EU citizens and UK nationals to work, live, and travel across borders, and offers insights into the challenges and opportunities that the post-Brexit era brings.

Consequences of Brexit on Free Movement

Up until the UK's departure from the EU, the free movement of people within the EU was a cherished right, allowing citizens to travel, work, and live freely across member states. However, with the implementation of Brexit, this situation has changed dramatically. European citizens lost their automatic right to work and live in the UK. They must now apply for visas and permission to enter as tourists, workers, or students.

For UK citizens, the picture is not much different. The government has introduced tighter immigration regulations, making it more difficult for British nationals to live and work in other EU countries. This shift is particularly evident in the increased scrutiny and complexity involved in obtaining entry and stay permissions.

Real-world Impact on EU Nationals Residing in the UK

The impact of these changes is most apparent in the lives of EU nationals who have been living in the UK, often dreaming of establishing a home and career here. The recent discussions with my grandson, a student studying International Business at RGU, highlight the challenges faced by young people.

He has joined a group of international students, including individuals from Nigeria, Germany, Pakistan, the Netherlands, and Bangladesh. Notably, among these international students, he is the only one with a UK passport. Two of his classmates have faced disciplinary actions and visa issues, underscoring the harsh reality of the post-Brexit environment.

Immigration Policies and Their Enforcement

Following Brexit, the UK's immigration policies have evolved to align more closely with its goal to control borders and reduce the influx of non-EEA citizens. EU citizens can currently visit the UK for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, but they must now apply for work, study, or family visas to live and work in the country.

The decision to require visas and the associated application process has led to a significant degree of unfairness and inconvenience. It means that young people, like my niece who was recently in Spain on holiday, face limitations on their ability to work and live in EU countries as they used to. The bar owner she approached refused to hire her, citing the complexity and formalities involved in employing a British worker.

Personal Experiences and Future Outlook

My personal experience in obtaining residency in Portugal illustrates the contrast between the ease of movement before and after Brexit. While I still pay taxes in the UK, the transition to living in Portugal has been a significant change. Over the next five years, I am planning to completely separate from the UK's tax system, a move emblematic of the broader shifts in the UK's relationship with the EU and Europe.

Those who are able to adapt and move strategically, such as by obtaining residency in another EU country, might find opportunities and a semblance of the old free movement, albeit with the added hurdle of paperwork and processes that did not exist before.

Overall, the impact of Brexit on free movement is a complex issue with significant implications for individuals, businesses, and the broader economy. While the future remains uncertain, it is clear that the era of easy and automatic free movement has come to an end. It will require both adaptation and strategic planning to navigate the evolving landscape.