The government caused panic among EU citizens living in the UK when it recently declared that free movement for EU citizens would end overnight on 31 October 2019 if the UK left the EU without a deal. Suddenly the original no-deal plan - that EU citizens would still be able to enter the UK for three months – was dead. EU citizens already living here did not know how they would get back into the UK. For example, what if they went on holiday? Those planning on coming after 31 October 2019 would face – what? No one was sure but that is what happens when a government makes manipulative, ill-considered, publicity-seeking announcements.
However, this weekend’s Sunday Times reported a U-turn by the government. We are now back to the original no-deal plan for 31 October 2019.

So free movement will, in theory, end on 31 October if there is no deal. EU citizens will still be able to enter the UK freely after this date, however. There are restrictions – new entrants will only be able to stay for three months. If they want to stay longer they will have to apply for ‘temporary leave to remain’ in the UK in order to work or study for example. This might be an online registration type application. The leave would not lead to permanent settlement.

Under the original no-deal plan, employers and landlords for example would not be expected to carry out immigration checks on EU citizens until 2021. We have to hope that is the case, otherwise there will be chaos.

Employers must ensure their workers have the right to work in the UK. How are employers going to know how long an EU citizen has been here? How will they tell the difference between a newly arrived EU citizen and one who has lived here for years but has not yet obtained pre-settled or settled status?

The detail of our immigration laws impact on people’s lives. This government seems to have no grasp of details. As a result, this risks creating real problems for EU citizens caught up in this mayhem.

Our advice to EU citizens and their families already here – get yourself pre-settled or settled status before 31 October 2019. Or, even better, go the old-style route and apply for a Permanent Residence Card.

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We couldn't praise Sallie and her team high enough. Extremely professional and acted very fast to meet our deadline. 100% recommended!
Mr E
Always thorough and highly professional throughout the application process for both my children, and I would definitely recommend! They also had a welcome sense of humour when it came to dealing with the bureaucracy involved in the process.
Mr B
Great experience working with Sallie. Professional and understanding! Will work with her again, with no doubt.
Ms L
We have been very impressed with the service we have received over the years of dealing with Angela. She went above and beyond to solve our specialised problem with very pleasing results. We would strongly recommend her work and knowledge in the field. A true professional.
Mr Aldalis
I highly recommend Sallie for her professionalism and lovable, kind approach. I am very happy to get her as my immigration lawyer for processing my kids Visa.
Shiva K
I highly recommend both Angela and Karen. They both have been amazingly helpful throughout the visa application process of my wife. They do truly care for their clients. They look at the case in reasonable time periods and return with any missing information rapidly. Consulting them during this exciting yet stressful process was the best decision that I made. Today my wife got granted the visa just after 5 weeks of her biometric scans.
Mr Yazici
They are so honest and professional . Clear answers and guidance to all my questions 👍👍. Thanks a lot .
Mr Khalil
Just received a decision from the Home office that I would’ve NEVER thought was possible. So happy and over the moon! I would definitely recommend your services to friends & family if required in the future. Huge thanks to Sallie and the team, best immigration solicitor in the business!!
Mr Bamba
Angela Cole is a wonderful, hardworking, honest, kind and reliable Solicitor. Her work is very high standard, very professional and her team is friendly. Me and my husband have no hesitation in recommending Angela Cole's excellent services.
Ms Small
"Simply a team of experienced people who gave us excellent and honest advice. Having now taken an appeal through to a successful conclusion for the (very reasonable) price promised, I have no hesitation in recommending this firm."
Jon Chrimes - Google Review
"The team went an extra mile and fought my case much more and much better than I would have expected. In the end, my case was successful and I cannot thank them enough for all they have done. If I ever need legal help in the future I will definitely use their services again and recommend them for their reasonable prices, supportive advice and first rate legal services."
ANONYMOUS - Google Review
"Excellent people, excellent service. They made the process of bringing my husband to the UK painless. Couldn’t have done it without them, highly recommend!"
Lindy Pine - Google Review
"I am ecstatic, thanks to you all. My life is complete now and anything else is a bonus. Even if it seemed impossible I knew we were going to win this and that is why I never gave up. Thank you for your work, support and encouragement."
MRS. Last
A BIG THANK YOU , for your help in helping me acquire my British settlement and British citizenship application successfully done. Your professionalism and kind warm attitude and nature made this process very easy and stress free. You took all my concerns away.

My Lawyer, Sallie Davies, is very knowledgeable and competent and I have implicit trust in her. The fees are also reasonable compared to other law firms. I highly recommend Sallie and her team.
MRS. H
Thanks to Sallie, my wife is finally in the UK after a horrible year and long delays with Home Office. Highly recommended Immigration Legal Services!
MR. B
Angela Cole and everyone at Immigration Legal Services will work to produce the best outcome for you and, from our experience, they only concern themselves with your goal and not your wallet. Immigration Legal Services' charge was a very good price for all the help and security they provided
MR. C
Despite the high professionalism practiced within the firm, there is always a strong sense of compassion , and care, from both Angela, and lovely Karen, which has really helped to set our minds at ease. Absolutely recommended & Eternally grateful
Ms. f
I would like to thank both of you, Sallie and Karen for your assistance in the way you handled my wife's Spouse Visa Extension to remain here with me in the United Kingdom. We will recommend The Immigration Legal Services here in Ipswich to anybody who wants to apply for a visa to come or remain here in the United Kingdom because the service they provided proved to be most reliable, simple and quick process. Much appreciated Sallie and Karen. Thanking you once again. We will be back again.
Robert
Excellent service, Sallie is very professional and lovely. Thanks to you what we thought it will be a long and exhausting experience, was so smooth and fast we couldn't believe it. Thank you very much.
Mrs T
We engaged this firm based on a recommendation made by a friend who had used their services before. We required their assistance for my wife's first renewal of her spousal visa. The process was quite painless, they got in touch to collect documents and go over details but most communication was done by email. We received the renewal without any issues.
BL
Sallie was the best solicitor I've met for immigration matters. She was straight to the job, focused on the matter and had an excellent transparent work process, a reasonable fee and no hidden charges. She is very helpful, confident and had the best communication. We got our parents' visa in one go! Thank you very much for the excellent job.
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Free movement will not end on 31 October 2019