Legal guide to managing a migrant workforce
Practical steps to help you manage and support your migrant workforce through Brexit

The UK’s EU referendum and subsequent government policy positions have changed the considerations that employers must have in managing their non-UK workforce. A person’s right to work is still absolutely crucial, but the prospect of free movement coming to an end has added new complexities.
Employers must now ask:
- What does Brexit mean for employees who are EEA nationals?
- How can they be given useful and reassuring information on an inherently personal and uncertain topic?
- What needs to happen so that they and their families can continue to live in the UK?
- What about employing EEA nationals in the future?
This guidance will provide practical help for employers to understand and manage these considerations.
Part 1 provides an overview of the current status, beginning with the government’s position on EEA nationals already in the UK and our immigration system after Brexit. Also set out is how HR teams could be responding to this information and the actions they could take to prepare.
Part 2 looks at the routine but nevertheless vital issue of the day-to-day management of a migrant workforce, from ensuring prospective hires’ right to work, to visa applications and compliance matters.
Part 3 broaches the crucial issue of actions for EEA nationals, most of whom will face a choice between applying for residency or citizenship before Brexit, or else making a settled or temporary status application from September 2018. The section sets out when and how they can make those applications, insofar as the policies are known.
The March 2018 Revision includes updated information on the status of residency documentation and their treatment post-Brexit, place limits on certain types of migrant visas, the context concerning Ireland, as well as the latest UK Government policy position.
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About Fragomen

Fragomen is the world's leading single-focus provider of immigration guidance and support. With more than 40 offices and over 3,300 employees worldwide, the firm provides clients with comprehensive immigration services in over 170 countries. Fragomen supports all aspects of global immigration services, including strategic planning, compliance, government relations, reporting, and case management and processing.
In the UK, the firm provides tailored immigration support, assisting clients with visa applications for their employees and their families, providing specialist compliance advice, regular client briefings, alerts and events. Fragomen is the only law firm in the UK accredited to sponsor interns on behalf of businesses under the points-based system.
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