Post-Brexit Immigration Control: UK's Plan Without EU Assistance

Understanding the Reality of UK Immigration

The question of whether the UK can control post-Brexit immigration without EU assistance is often met with confusion and misunderstanding. The fact is, the UK has always had significant control over its immigration policies, primarily without major EU intervention or support.

According to recent data, there were 500,000 migrants to the UK in the last year, and an additional 250,000 arrived illegally. These numbers equate to a city the size of Manchester, and they cannot continue indefinitely. The EU encouraged immigration to the UK, making the idea of a zero-immigration policy a non-starter for the continent.

The EU's Role and the Real Reason for Brexit Uncertainty

The current EU argument about freedom of movement will forever divide this country, but immigration is the real reason we find ourselves in this situation. To regain control over our borders and reduce the influx of migrants, the UK must leave the EU and close its borders to unverified applicants.

By staying in the EU, the UK would not have this option. Letting the EU dictate immigration policy is a contradiction in terms. The question is not whether the UK can control its borders, but why is it part of a system that restricts its sovereignty?

Future Immigration Control Measures

The UK will move towards a more controlled immigration system, one that prioritizes the interests of the nation. This will involve various measures such as:

Establishing a hot line for reporting irregular immigration activities. Hiring more personnel for the immigration service to monitor and enforce rules more effectively. Enforcing a work permit system for non-EU citizens. Allowing EU citizens under 30 to enter and work for up to 11 months, with work permits required for further stays. Ending the right of free movement, giving the UK the ability to decide who can enter the country.

Challenges and Uncertainties

While the UK plans to control immigration more effectively, there are still uncertainties and challenges. The government has not agreed on the specifics of how and when to implement post-Brexit immigration controls.

Back in 2018, Home Affairs Select Committee chair, Yvette Cooper MP, expressed frustration: 'We were first promised this Immigration White Paper would be published by autumn 2017. Then by the end of 2017. Then by July 2018. Then in the autumn 2018. Then by the time of the meaningful vote. This isn’t a last-minute Cabinet split; it’s been going on for years.'

According to the latest developments, freedom of movement will continue until at least 31 December 2020, and likely until 31 December 2022 if the UK exercises a one-off option to extend the transition period. Any extension announcement by Theresa May could raise concerns that Brexit will take longer than anticipated, as the UK government struggles to get parliamentary approval for the Brexit deal.

Theresa May strategically avoids publishing an immigration white paper that may cause controversy, knowing it could negatively impact the public and business support for her Brexit plan.