EU Free Movement Rights – Brexit

Visas EU Preparedness

Reasons for and objectives of the proposal The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (“the United Kingdom”) will withdraw from the European Union on 30 March 2019 (date of withdrawal) and will become a third country. Currently, British citizens are also Union citizens. They enjoy the fundamental right to move and reside freely […]

Freedom of Movement (UK White Paper)

Framework for mobility EU citizens are integral to communities across the UK, with 3.5 million EU citizens living in the UK.22 Approximately 800,000 UK nationals play an equally important role in communities across the EU.23 The UK and the EU have already reached an agreement on citizens’ rights which provides EU citizens living in the […]

Free Movement and Fundamental Rights

Acquired Rights The Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties safeguards acquired rights to a significant extent. It had been claimed in the run-up to the Brexit referendum that it would safeguard the EU rights of UK nationals in the EU (and vice versa). However, the rights apply as between states and not individuals or […]

EU Freedoms Overview

EU Treaty Rights Free movement of persons as provided in the Treaty of Rome 1957 has evolved into a wider range of related rights under the various amending treaties since that time. There is a right of free movement for workers to come and work in a host EU state. There is a right of […]

EU (Schengen) Immigration System

EU Immigration and Asylum (UK & Ireland Opt Out) Until the 1990s. asylum and immigration were outside the scope of European Union competence. The Maastricht Treaty in 1992 extended EU powers to include some aspects of asylum. The so-called third “pillar” the Justice and Home affairs Pillar established mechanisms and institutions for intergovernmental cooperation on […]

EU Citizenship Directive

Citizenship Directive The 2004 EU Citizens Directive in 2004 consolidates and updates earlier legislation. It seeks to reduce formalities and minimise the bases for refusal of entry. It introduced the concept of permanent residence. The directive applies to an EU citizen and family members. Family members cover spouse, direct descendants under 21 and the EU […]

EU Citizenship

European Union citizenship and rights. The Maastricht Treaty introduced the concept of citizenship of the European Union. The Treaty declares the rights of a citizen. Citizens have the rights conferred by the Treaty and the duties imposed by it. The duties imposed are limited. The European Union flag and anthem were formally adopted. EU citizenship […]

Worker’s Treaty Rights

Free Movement of Workers The European Union Treaty guarantees the right of workers to move between member states of the European Union to seek employment. They must not be subjected to any discrimination based on nationality as regards employment, remuneration or conditions of employment. There are limited grounds based on public policy, security and health […]

Common Travel Area [Irish Senate Report]

Background Since the establishment of the Irish Free State in 1922, both the Irish and British governments have operated what is known as the Common Travel Area (CTA). Its origins can be traced in the mutual recognition of each other’s immigration laws, which were largely based on pre-independence immigration policy. The CTA has no connection […]

EU Travel UK No Deal Notes

Before 29 March 2019 (may also apply to new exit date on 31 December 2020) Most EU countries (though not the UK) are members of the Schengen Agreement. This agreement removes passport checks and border controls at the borders between countries within the Schengen area. People can travel around the area as if it is one country. If you’re a British citizen, as an EU national, […]

Common Travel Area UK No Deal Notes

Purpose The purpose of this notice is to provide clarity on the Common Travel Area (CTA) arrangements and the associated rights and privileges of British and Irish citizens in the other jurisdictions. Before 29 March 2019 (may also apply to new exit date on 31 December 2020) If you are a British or Irish citizen you can travel freely within the Common Travel Area (CTA) without […]

Taking Pet Abroad

Purpose This notice sets out how the arrangements that allow pet owners to travel to and from the EU with pets (cats, dogs and ferrets) would change if the UK leaves the EU in March 2019 without a deal. It explains what pet owners would need to do to prepare their pets for travel, and […]

Living in Germany UK Post-Deal Guidance

Guidance Living in Germany Official information for UK nationals living in and moving to Germany, including guidance on residency, healthcare and driving. Published 17 May 2013 Last updated 31 December 2020 — see all updates From: Foreign & Commonwealth Office and Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Contents What you should do Coronavirus Stay up to date The Withdrawal […]