The UK is one of the best countries in the world to come and live and that is why people from across the world have chosen to come here and they make a welcome contribution to our society.
As the UK leaves the European Union it is essential that going forward we have a strategy for immigration that suits the UK's needs and ensures we continue to have an open, dynamic economy and a world-class health service staffed by dedicated professionals. For that reason, the Government is looking to implement a skills-based policy that will apply to both EU and non-EU migrants equally.
The Government is committed to building a single, global immigration system which considers people on skills, rather than nationality. When people voted to leave the EU, they did so in the knowledge that the free movement system imposed by the EU would end. The Government is clear that this means continued work to bring net migration down to sustainable levels while ensuring the UK continues to attract and retain those who come to the UK to work and bring significant benefits. Ministers share the view that this should not include an open door to those who do not. The future border and immigration system will support the UK economy, but also address the public's concerns.