Brexit, which formally ended the United Kingdom’s membership in the European Union, has had widespread implications on many sectors, including cross-border immigration. As of 2025, the full impact of Brexit on immigration policies, labor markets, and the movement of people between the UK and EU has become more apparent. Let’s break down how Brexit has reshaped cross-border immigration in 2025 and what it means for businesses, workers, and international relations.
1. Post-Brexit Immigration Policies
One of the most significant changes resulting from Brexit is the introduction of the UK’s points-based immigration system. This new system treats EU and non-EU citizens equally, marking a departure from the free movement enjoyed by EU nationals prior to Brexit.
- Points-Based System: The UK introduced a points-based immigration system in 2021, which continues to impact cross-border immigration. Applicants need to score a minimum number of points based on factors like education, job offers, English language skills, and salary levels.
- Equal Treatment for All: EU citizens are no longer given preferential treatment in the immigration process. This change has created new barriers for Europeans seeking to live and work in the UK.
2. Decline in EU Worker Migration
Since Brexit, there has been a noticeable decline in EU nationals migrating to the UK for work. Previously, the free movement between EU countries allowed citizens to work across borders without the need for visas or permits.
- Impact on Workforce: Industries heavily reliant on EU workers, such as healthcare, hospitality, agriculture, and construction, have been particularly affected. The reduced availability of EU labor has led to workforce shortages, pushing employers to recruit talent from other regions.
- Visa Requirements for EU Nationals: EU nationals now require work visas to move to the UK, adding costs and administrative hurdles for both employers and employees. Many have chosen alternative destinations in the EU for job opportunities.
3. Changes in Freedom of Movement
The end of freedom of movement has been one of the most significant impacts of Brexit. Before Brexit, UK and EU citizens could freely travel, live, and work across the European Union and the UK without needing visas or work permits.
- New Restrictions: UK citizens now face the same visa and residency requirements as citizens of other non-EU countries when moving to Europe. Similarly, EU nationals must navigate the UK’s points-based immigration system.
- Border Controls: Immigration checkpoints between the UK and the EU are now stricter, leading to longer processing times for travelers. EU citizens face similar visa restrictions when entering the UK for work, study, or long-term stays.
4. Impact on Skilled Workers
Brexit’s new immigration rules are designed to attract high-skilled workers while limiting the flow of lower-skilled labor. This has led to a change in the types of workers moving across borders between the UK and the EU.
- Focusing on High-Skilled Talent: The points-based system prioritizes highly-skilled workers, such as scientists, engineers, healthcare professionals, and IT specialists. The UK government aims to fill skill gaps in critical sectors with top global talent, regardless of nationality.
- Reduced Access for Low-Skilled Workers: On the flip side, industries that rely on low-skilled labor have struggled to recruit workers. Sectors such as agriculture, food processing, and hospitality have been hit hardest, leading to calls for the UK government to introduce specific low-skilled work visas.
5. Cross-Border Relationships and Trade
Brexit has also impacted cross-border business relationships and trade between the UK and the EU. With the introduction of new visa requirements and trade barriers, businesses have had to adjust their operations to remain competitive.
- Business Travel: Frequent cross-border travel for business purposes has become more complex and costly, as visa requirements and travel restrictions apply. This has affected companies that rely on international staff or need to send employees to EU countries for business operations.
- Foreign Investment and Talent: The restrictions on free movement may deter foreign investors and talent from choosing the UK, particularly in industries that depend on international mobility, such as tech, finance, and research.
6. The Impact on EU Students and Workers
Students and workers from EU countries face increased hurdles when seeking education or employment opportunities in the UK. This has contributed to a decline in EU student enrollment in British universities and fewer EU professionals moving to the UK for work.
- International Students: EU students now pay the same tuition fees as other international students, making it more expensive to study in the UK. Additionally, new visa rules mean EU students must secure study visas and provide evidence of sufficient funds.
- Work Visas for Graduates: While the Graduate Route allows international students, including those from the EU, to stay in the UK for two years after completing their studies, the process to secure long-term employment visas remains more complex and competitive.
7. Migration from Non-EU Countries
Interestingly, Brexit has led to an increase in migration from non-EU countries. With the UK’s new focus on attracting skilled workers from all over the world, citizens from countries such as India, Nigeria, and China have seen increased opportunities for immigration.
- Diversified Workforce: The end of preferential treatment for EU citizens has diversified the UK workforce, as more skilled workers from outside Europe apply for jobs in the UK.
- Recruitment from Global Talent Pools: The points-based system encourages businesses to look beyond Europe for talent, with many non-EU professionals filling roles traditionally held by EU workers.
8. Challenges for UK Expats
UK citizens who previously lived and worked in the EU have also faced challenges. Many have had to navigate new residency rules or apply for visas to continue living in EU countries. This has disrupted long-established lifestyles for UK expats.
- Visa Applications: UK expats living in EU countries must now apply for residency or work permits to remain legally in the EU. Those who fail to meet the new requirements risk losing their residency status.
- Pension and Healthcare Impacts: The withdrawal from the EU has also affected cross-border pensions, healthcare access, and social benefits, creating uncertainties for UK retirees living abroad.
9. Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland
Northern Ireland remains in a unique position post-Brexit, as it continues to follow some EU rules to avoid a hard border with the Republic of Ireland. This arrangement has created complexities in cross-border immigration for businesses and individuals on the island of Ireland.
Common Travel Area: UK and Irish citizens can still move freely across the border under the Common Travel Area agreement, but Brexit has created new complexities for EU nationals and third-country nationals living in Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland.
10. Future Outlook
As 2025 unfolds, the long-term effects of Brexit on cross-border immigration will continue to evolve. While the points-based system aims to attract high-skilled workers, businesses are still grappling with labor shortages and the challenges of restricted movement.
Policy Adjustments: The UK government may introduce more flexible visa options to address ongoing labor shortages, especially in low-skilled sectors. Reforms to streamline the points-based system and make it more responsive to industry needs may also be on the horizon.
