Moving EU citizen worried about Brexit?

Member since 17 December 2018

Guru3DMember17 December 2018 07:03:51

Hello everyone!

I'm Ruben, 23, born and raised in Belgium working as an assistant manager in Retail. I've been thinking about studying/working abroad for a few years. Lately, pieces of my life have been falling into place so I feel like this is probably the best shot I have to make it a reality and to find out how I feel about working abroad. On top of that, I've recently been to London and I feel like I lost my heart to it. However, I've been doing research and some questions have popped up to which I can't really seem to find a concluding answer to.

Firstly, the obvious barrier to move to the UK at the moment called... Brexit. There's so much information to be found on this subject and frankly, I don't know what to believe anymore because it's all so unclear and expansive... The GOV site sadly doesn't help a bit. I'm planning to move in March, just a bit before the Brexit deal should get sealed. As I'm planning to work abroad for a year, I have no clue what to expect in terms of potentially having to get a visa even as a EU citizen in case of a hard deal/no deal. Does anyone have insight on whether my plans are at stake if there's a No Deal at the end of March, when I'm probably still settling in and/or looking for a job?

Secondly, I've heard jobs aren't exactly easy to come by as a foreigner. I've studied to become a teacher in Dutch and English at college so I'm quite comfortable communicating in English. I would like to find a job in Retail, preferably as an assistant manager, although I'm curious how a hotel environment would suit me and I will certainly look into this field of work as well.

Are there any experiences or is there any insight you could share with me?

Thanks for your time, I appreciate it!

See also

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Cynic UK/Netherlands Expert

Member since 15 September 2015

CynicUK/Netherlands Expert17 December 2018 10:35:58

8078

Hi and welcome to the Forum.

Brexit is a bit of a mess; the stuff on the UKGov website is all about what happens in the event of a no-deal situation and was never meant to be of benefit to people in your situation.

The current situation (simplified for brevity) is that they have said that all EU citizens who are in the country on the 29 March 2019 can stay in the UK on their current terms and they will set up a simple system that will allow you to register for a residence card. After that date, everybody will be treated the same, so as the UK will be out of the EU, freedom of movement will cease to exist. So, to enable yourself to stay, get here before the 29 March 2019 and get yourself a UK National Insurance number (and, no, you can't get one before you arrive). It also follows that should you leave (and I'm guessing vacation/business trips won't be classified as such), then you will lose your right of residence in the UK. One last comment; Brexit is now politically driven, never forget the old adage that if a politicians mouth is moving, then he'/she is probably lying.

With regards to working - you say you're a teacher, perhaps the Education sector has something to offer - I know they are always short of teachers. Hotel work - never done it, know nothing about it except the pay is crap and the hours long and unsocial; so perhaps not conducive to experiencing all that the UK has to offer.

Hope this helps.

Cynic
Expat Team

Guru3D Member

Member since 17 December 2018

Guru3DMember17 December 2018 19:46:35

Hi Cynic

Thanks for your comprehensive reply! I didn't know the NI number would exclude me for a visa (even though it's not an agreement set in stone). I'll take this into consideration. As far as my research goes, getting the NI number would be relatively quick and easy but just to be sure... How long does it usually take to get an NI number? E.g. if I arrive on the 22nd of March, will I be certain to have the NI number in time? This could be important regarding some Belgian laws about leaving work, you need to work some extra weeks after you officially quit the job etc.

Thanks in advance

Cynic UK/Netherlands Expert

Member since 15 September 2015

CynicUK/Netherlands Expert17 December 2018 20:15:39

8078

Hi again,

This link will help you apply for a UK National Insurance number.

It's not so much to exclude you; it has become relevant more recently when the Government asked its "how are we going to do this?" question. Unlike the rest of the EU, the UK has never tracked/recorded the whereabouts of the people living here; the National Insurance number is about the only national system in place that gives them a start point for a new system. It would not surprise me one bit if they change the requirements in the time between now and 29 March 2019; you will need to keep yourself up to speed on it.

If you leave it until the 22 March 2019, you may be too late; you may be called for an interview regarding your application - there may be thousands like you who decide to turn up in the last week.

Hope this helps.

Cynic
Expat Team