Queen’s Speech: UK immigration implications
20 December 2019
On 19 December 2019, the Queen opened a new session of parliament and set out the recently elected Conservative government’s policy objectives in her speech.
Unsurprisingly, the speech did not contain any new substantive information in regard to Brexit and proposed changes to the UK immigration system. Instead, it mirrored recent government announcements that:
- the priority is to deliver the UK’s exit from the EU on 31 January 2020;
- the government will then negotiate and aim to secure a free trade agreement with the EU whilst also commencing trade negotiations with other leading global economies;
- they will introduce a new NHS visa which will offer fast-track entry to the UK for eligible healthcare professionals; and
- a new points-based immigration system will be introduced to “welcome skilled workers from across the world”.
Now that the Conservative government possess a sizeable majority and are thereby free from the parliamentary chains they have been shackled by in recent years, it will be interesting to monitor the extent and effectiveness of the objectives listed above by the time of the next Queen’s speech.
Latest Insights
17 February 2025
Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) route – Key deadlines approaching in 2025
Significant deadlines are approaching for individuals under the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) category.
14 February 2025
Important updates to good character guidance could bar many refugees from British citizenship
Concerning amendments have been made to the good character guidance pertaining to applications for British citizenship, effective 10 February 2025.
7 February 2025
Fiscal year 2026 H-1B cap registration period to begin 7 March 2025
H-1B season has finally arrived for fiscal year 2026. H-1B visas enable foreign workers with at least a bachelor’s degree, or equivalent experience,…