The Withdrawal Agreement Free Movement: What It Means for UK and EU Citizens
One of the key issues addressed in the Brexit negotiations was the continuation of free movement between the UK and the European Union. The Withdrawal Agreement, signed by the UK and EU in January 2020, sets out the terms for the end of free movement and the future relationship between the two parties.
What is free movement?
Free movement is the principle that EU citizens can live and work in any EU country without the need for visas or work permits. This also applies to citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland. The UK has been a member of the EU since 1973, and this principle has allowed millions of UK citizens to live, work, study and retire in other EU countries, and vice versa.
What does the Withdrawal Agreement say about free movement?
Under the Agreement, free movement will continue until the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020. During this time, UK and EU citizens will still be able to move freely between the UK and the EU, work and live in each other`s countries, and access public services and benefits. EU citizens living in the UK and UK citizens living in the EU before 31 December 2020 will be able to continue to do so, and will be covered by the Agreement`s provisions on citizens` rights.
After the transition period, free movement between the UK and EU will end. UK citizens will no longer have the automatic right to move to the EU to work or retire, and vice versa. However, the Agreement provides for some exceptions to this rule:
– UK citizens who are already living in an EU country before the end of the transition period will be able to stay and retain their rights.
– EU citizens who are already living in the UK before the end of the transition period will be able to stay and retain their rights.
– UK and EU citizens will still be able to travel to each other`s countries for short visits without a visa.
The Agreement also provides for a new system of immigration controls, which will apply to EU citizens who wish to move to the UK after the transition period. Under this system, EU citizens will need to apply for a visa or work permit to live and work in the UK, similar to citizens of non-EU countries. The UK government has announced that it will introduce a points-based system for skilled workers, which will take into account factors such as education, work experience, and language skills.
What are the implications of the end of free movement?
The end of free movement will have significant implications for UK and EU citizens who wish to live and work in each other`s countries. It may become more difficult and expensive for UK citizens to move to the EU, and for EU citizens to move to the UK. This could have an impact on businesses that rely on cross-border workers, as well as on individuals and families who have made their homes and lives in another country.
However, the Agreement provides some certainty and clarity on the future relationship between the UK and EU. It provides for the continued protection of citizens` rights, and sets out the terms for the UK`s future cooperation and trade with the EU. The Agreement also provides for a transition period, during which businesses and individuals can prepare for the changes ahead.
In conclusion, the Withdrawal Agreement represents a significant shift in the UK`s relationship with the EU, particularly in relation to free movement. While it may create some challenges for individuals and businesses, it also provides a framework for the future and a degree of certainty during a period of significant change.
