New immigration controls promised by the Government in light of Brexit may not be imposed in full straight after Britain leaves the EU, the Government has said.
In a White Paper spelling out more details of its plan for a post-EU Britain ministers said a “phased process of implementation” could see the full eventual controls delayed.
The document says Britain would regain “control” of its borders by leaving the freedom of movement directive of but does not mention reducing the number of people coming to the UK.
The Government strongly hints that MPs will get a say in drawing up the plans, promising Parliament an “important role”.
“Implementing any new immigration arrangements for EU nationals and the support they receive will be complex and Parliament will have an important role in considering these matters further,” the policy paper said.
“There may be a phased process of implementation to prepare for the new arrangements.
“This would give businesses and individuals enough time to plan and prepare for those new arrangements.”
There is little public detail about what the planned immigration controls will actually involve.
The Government has ruled out implementing a points-based immigration system as promised by the Leave campaign.
The White paper also says: “We will create an immigration system that allows us to control numbers and encourage the brightest and the best to come to this country, as part of a stable and prosperous future with the EU and our European partners
“We are considering very carefully the options that are open to us to gain control of the numbers of people coming to the UK from the EU.
It continues: “It is important that we understand the impacts on the different sectors of the economy and the labour market.
“We will, therefore, ensure that businesses and communities have the opportunity to contribute their views. Equally, we will need to understand the potential impacts of any proposed changes in all the parts of the UK.
“So we will build a comprehensive picture of the needs and interests of all parts of the UK and look to develop a system that works for all.”
