Immigration white paper confirms end to free movement 

The government said leaving the European Union (EU) will end free movement and ensure full control of the border, therefore a new single immigration system has been designed based on skills and talent.

The new system includes:

• A skilled workers route open to all nationalities;

• Lowering of the skills threshold on the skilled workers route to include medium-skilled workers;

• No cap on numbers on the skilled workers route, meaning that business will be able to hire any suitable qualified migrant;

• The abolition of the resident labour market test;

• A new time limited route for temporary short-term workers of all skill levels, including seasonal low-skilled workers;

• An extension to the post-study period for international students.

The government said it has agreed with the EU that it will discuss with them provisions relating to mobility. For example, it said it will explore the arrangements applying to research, study, training and youth exchanges.

It added that any agreements eventually reached with the EU, relating to mobility, will be fully compatible and incorporated into its future system. The government also said it would look to offer similar arrangements to other low-risk countries with which it agrees deep trade agreements in future.