TEMPORARY immigration arrangements could allow EU nationals who come to Britain after a No-deal Brexit to remain here for up to three years.
The UK Home Office confirmed the move yesterday, in an admission that it will not be ready to immediately end freedom of movement.
However, the Scottish Government described the proposals as “ill-thought-out” and said they would not work for “Scotland as a whole”.
It said nationals from the EU, European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland who move to Britain between November 1 and the end of 2020 will be allowed to stay for up to three years under what it called the European Temporary Leave to Remain scheme – Euro-TLR.
Home Secretary Priti Patel had been seeking an immediate end to freedom of movement on November 1, if Britain crashes out of the bloc with No Deal.
There was speculation that plans for the Euro-TLR would be scrapped, but the new guidance confirmed that freedom of movement will not end until there is a complete overhaul of the country’s immigration system at the beginning of 2021.
The guidance said there will be “some visible changes at the UK border”, along with tougher restrictions on convicted criminals coming into the country, and added: “Otherwise EU citizens will be able to cross the UK border as now.”
Scottish Migration Minister Ben Macpherson said the government was ignoring concerns from Scotland.
“This announcement by the UK Government, on the rights of EU citizens in a No-Deal scenario, significantly fails to provide the necessary reassurances EU citizens are so desperately seeking,” he said.
“Time and again the Scottish Government has highlighted the folly of the UK Government’s proposed three-year ‘Temporary Leave to Remain’ scheme, which won’t work for students in Scotland or Scotland as a whole.
“Unfortunately, the UK Government continues to ignore the concerns of Scottish higher education institutions.
“Scotland wants, welcomes and needs EU citizens to come here to live, work, study and settle. But because of the UK Government’s immigration policies, EU citizens arriving after Brexit look set to face more uncertainty and confusion.”
He added: “Under the UK Government’s plans, people will be expected to put their trust in an undefined immigration system with no guarantee whatsoever that they will be able to stay beyond December 2023. These ill-thought-out proposals are yet further evidence that the UK Government is incapable of delivering effective immigration policies which reflect Scotland’s values, circumstances or interests.
“It is time for Scotland to have the powers to deliver tailored immigration solutions to meet Scotland’s needs and aspirations.”
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