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New report suggests “Brexit” might lead to UK attracting more skilled workers (28 January 2016)

Date: 28/01/2016
Duncan Lewis, Legal News Solicitors, New report suggests “Brexit” might lead to UK attracting more skilled workers

A new report by Migration Watch UK has found that a British exit from the EU could reduce net migration by 100,000 a year – but might also lead to more skilled workers coming to the UK.

The report does not support either remaining in the UK or a “Brexit” strategy, but examines what a post-Brexit immigration regime might look like, as well as estimating its likely effect on net migration to the UK.

The authors estimate that a British exit from the EU and EEA could enable the UK government to reduce net migration from the EU by about 100,000 a year from current levels.

The authors also say that figures show the majority of EU migrants who have arrived in the UK since 2004 are in low-skilled work – if the UK were to permit entry only to higher-skilled workers by the issue of work permits, on a similar basis to those currently issued for non EEA workers, these numbers could be substantially reduced.

Figures show that only 20% of EU migrants who have arrived in Britain since 2004 are in higher-skilled work.

However, a reduction in EU workers in low-skilled employment would permit a review of the need for a cap on higher-skilled workers – regardless of nationality – to ensure the UK attracts only “the very best” skilled workers from around the world.

The report also concludes that there is no reason why there should be restrictions on EU citizens coming to the UK as students or tourists – or even to live, provided they are self-sufficient, as are most British pensioners living in Spain, France and other EU countries, say the authors.

The report says it would be expected that EU countries would reciprocate by requiring work permits for British workers wishing to work in their countries –
although EU countries would have an interest in retaining as much free movement as possible after a “Brexit”.

The rights of British citizens already working or living in another EU country –
as well as those of EU citizens now working in Britain – would be protected under the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties 1969.

Under the Convention, withdrawal from a treaty releases the parties from any future obligation to each other, but does not affect any rights or obligations acquired under it before withdrawal.

Chairman of Migration Watch UK, Lord Green of Deddington, said

“It is time to examine possible alternative immigration regimes.

“Under the current arrangements, all the signs are that EU migration to Britain will continue at a substantial rate for the foreseeable future – indeed, immigrants tend to generate further migration, as their friends and relatives join them in their new countries.

“Net EU migration now amounts to 180,000 a year – work permits for EU citizens would substantially reduce net migration and its resultant pressure on our population and public services.”

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