Could Brexit be a blessing for non-Europeans?

What's changing for foreign professionals

The UK has been people from around the world for many years, thanks to its economic prosperity, its cultural diversity, and the number of opportunities available in all spheres. Besides European nationals, the country is home to large Indian, Pakistani, American, Chinese, Nigerien, Australian, South African, Bangladeshi, Nepalese and Canadian expats communities.

However, in the past few years, European citizens who no longer feel that they belong to the UK have been departing massively. Needless to say that this had a significant impact on the British labour market, leading to a rise in the unemployment rate. While it's nowhere mentioned that the new UK immigration and employment laws are going to be beneficial for non-Europeans, it's quite likely to be the trend in the coming months and years.

The freedom of movement is no longer a reality for Europeans travelling to the UK and British nationals moving to EU countries. So foreign professionals from the EU need the appropriate visa to live and work in the UK, just like non-European nationals. This will create more opportunities for citizens from Commonwealth countries, including Australia, New Zealand and Canada, and those from Asia, mainly India, Singapore and Hong Kong. As long as they have the skills required by British companies, they stand as many chances of being hired as Europeans.

Currently, financial services, technology, cybersecurity, trade, etc. are the most promising sectors in the UK. Anyone with these skills can be considered for a job, whether they are European or not. The new immigration laws could also be more beneficial to native English-speakers and candidates who are more familiar with the British education system and culture. For example, under the new immigration policy, applicants with a good English command will get more points.

According to the Home Office, there's a significant rise in the number of visas issued to non-European professionals since 2017. For example, from 2018 to 2019, more than 55,000 highly-skilled work visas had been issued to Indians who are a major asset for the technology and health sectors. The skills-based migration policy, which came into force on January 1, 2021, aims at ensuring that the country attracts the best international skills. This should make the UK labour market less competitive. With the Tier 2 General Visa, for example, non-European professionals will be able to live and work in the UK for the long term. However, this visa is intended for skilled foreign professionals and is tied to a specific position.

Non-European students in the UK

Non-Europeans who are currently studying or wish to study in the UK need not worry about Brexit. However, it looks like they shall be entitled to certain benefits, such as lower tuition fees as the pound sterling crashes. Although the cost of studies remains unchanged, international students mainly from China, India, South Korea, United States, Canada and Australia could pay less.

Brexit should also make the British job market less competitive for non-European students. European students will no longer be prioritised as everyone will need a visa to be able to work in the UK. Non-European students will have equal chances of stepping into the British labour market and building their careers and staying longer in the country. Moreover, according to a survey by The Financial Times, 25% of British employers are looking to hire more young British and non-European graduates.

Overall, there's hope for young graduates as UK's skills shortage list expands. Medicine, engineering and IT are just some of the sectors that are currently hiring.

What about residence rights in the UK?

European nationals who are permanent residents of the United Kingdom can preserve all their rights through the EU Settlement Scheme. While things remain unchanged for non-European nationals, similar conditions will apply to European citizens. To be eligible for permanent residency, all foreign nationals must either have been married or cohabited with a Briton for 2 years; or have stayed in the country legally for 10 years or illegally for 14 years; or have held a Tier 1 or Tier 2 work visa for 5 years; or having been an investor, entrepreneur, artist or sportsmen for 5 years; or had an ancestry visa for 5 years.

How Brexit is going to affect everyday life in the UK

Whether you are European or not, Brexit will still have a significant impact on your daily life in the UK. For example, since many agricultural and food products are imported from the EU, a sharp rise in prices is expected. Some foods prices could even rise by 10%. On the other hand, the massive departures could have a significant impact on the UK property market. So if you are a non-European who has always dreamed of being a homeowner in the UK, keep an eye out so that you won't miss an opportunity.