White Paper and post-Brexit immigration

Copyright © 2025 LexisNexis

This sub-topic looks at the trajectory of structural changes to UK immigration policy from the end of the Brexit transition period. It covers the citizens’ rights settlement agreed with the EU and its domestic implementation, the initial post-Brexit immigration system which applied to both EEA and non-EEA citizens which was put into place by the previous Conservative government, and the immigration White Paper ‘Restoring control over the immigration system’ published by the Labour government on 12 May 2025 which sets out significant changes it intends to introduce over the course of this Parliament.

Citizens’ rights

On 23 June 2016, the UK held a referendum on its European Union (EU) membership. A 51.9% majority voted in favour of the UK leaving the EU (‘Brexit’). On 29 March 2017, the UK government gave formal notification of the UK's intention to withdraw from the EU under Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU). As of exit day (11 pm on 31 January 2020), the UK is no longer an EU Member State.

European Economic Area (EEA)/Swiss citizens (termed ‘EEA citizens’ for these purposes) and their family members

To view the latest version of this document and thousands of others like it, sign-in with LexisNexis or register for a free trial.

Existing user? Sign-in TAKE A FREE TRIAL
Powered by Lexis+®
Latest Immigration News

New sponsor guidance confirms next eVisa changes, new branch relaxation, and end of sponsor IT pilot

The Home Office has issued updated versions of the three primary Worker and Temporary Worker Sponsor Guidance documents on 11 November 2025, further to the changes to sponsored work routes that come into force on that date under Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules HC 1333. In addition to changes reflecting that Statement, and increases to the Immigration Skills Charge from 16 December 2025, further to the Immigration Skills Charge (Amendment) Regulations 2025, the new guidance has some further changes/announcements. These are set out below.

Blair think tank urges government to 'course correct' on reforms

Law360, London: Protection against unfair dismissal should kick in after six months rather than on employees' first day on the job, a think tank headed by former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair said 6 November 2025, adding to a groundswell of opposition to the headline policy of the Labour government's Employment Rights Bill.

UKICE analysis warns of fiscal risks from declining migration

UK in a Changing Europe (UKICE) has published an analysis by Lauren Gilbert warning that the recent collapse in net migration could have adverse economic and fiscal consequences for the UK. Gilbert argues that migrants tend to be net contributors to public finances, with higher average earnings and labour market participation compared to UK-born citizens.

Migration Observatory publishes report examining children of migrants in the UK

The Migration Observatory has published a new report revealing major demographic and policy trends affecting children of migrants in the UK — including both those born abroad and those born domestically to foreign-born parents.

View Immigration by content type :  
News
Practice notes
Precedents
Q&As

Popular documents

Priority between loss reliefs in loss making companies

Priority between loss reliefs in loss making companiesWhy does it matter?A company that is a member of a group and has incurred any of the types of losses available for surrender by way of group relief may, without any further rules, have more than one way in which to use the loss. There are a

Late payment penalties—inheritance tax

Late payment penalties—inheritance taxWhile interest often accrues on overdue tax, the late payment of certain taxes may also attract a penalty. For information on the interest accruing on overdue tax, see Practice Notes: IHT—payment deadlines on death—Interest on IHT and Interest on late paid

Contributory negligence in personal injury claims

Contributory negligence in personal injury claimsContributory negligence is a partial defence which can lead to a discount in damages.Other defences may also be relevant. See Practice Notes: Did the claimant consent to the risk of injury? and Was the claimant involved in an illegal activity?If a

Can shares in a limited company that have not been paid-up at all be cancelled?

Can shares in a limited company that have not been paid-up at all be cancelled?A limited company having a share capital may not alter that share capital, except in the ways listed in section 617 of the Companies Act 2006 (CA 2006). Shares in a company cannot simply be cancelled without following an
Priority between loss reliefs in loss making companies

Priority between loss reliefs in loss making companies

Priority between loss reliefs in loss making companiesWhy does it matter?A company that is a member of a group and has incurred any of the types of losses available for surrender by way of group relief may, without any further rules, have more than one way in which to use the loss. There are a

Late payment penalties—inheritance tax

Late payment penalties—inheritance tax

Late payment penalties—inheritance taxWhile interest often accrues on overdue tax, the late payment of certain taxes may also attract a penalty. For information on the interest accruing on overdue tax, see Practice Notes: IHT—payment deadlines on death—Interest on IHT and Interest on late paid

Contributory negligence in personal injury claims

Contributory negligence in personal injury claims

Contributory negligence in personal injury claimsContributory negligence is a partial defence which can lead to a discount in damages.Other defences may also be relevant. See Practice Notes: Did the claimant consent to the risk of injury? and Was the claimant involved in an illegal activity?If a

Can shares in a limited company that have not been paid-up at all be cancelled?

Can shares in a limited company that have not been paid-up at all be cancelled?

Can shares in a limited company that have not been paid-up at all be cancelled?A limited company having a share capital may not alter that share capital, except in the ways listed in section 617 of the Companies Act 2006 (CA 2006). Shares in a company cannot simply be cancelled without following an