脱欧后的英国尚未 “收回 ” 对移民的控制

CIDOB Opinion 657 - March 2021: Post-Brexit UK and Immigration Control

The report evaluates the impact of Brexit on the United Kingdom's control over immigration, particularly focusing on the post-Brexit period and the new EU-UK agreement effective since January 2021.

Key Findings:

1. Pre-Brexit Migration Trends: Before Brexit, the UK managed border controls effectively, including passenger checks for those crossing its borders. The focus shifted post-Brexit to the impact on immigration control.

2. EU Exit Impact:

   • First Change: The UK's withdrawal from EU agreements on third-country immigration.
   • Second Change: The cessation of EU citizens' freedom to reside and work in the UK.

3. Migration Patterns Post-Brexit:

   • Inflow of EU Citizens: The net influx of EU citizens into the UK has decreased significantly, from 212,000 (July 2014 to June 2015) to 48,000 four years later, with central and eastern European migrants accounting for 60% initially, reducing to about 40%.
   • Non-EU Inflows: The non-EU net migration has increased by 37.5% from 163,000 to 224,000, indicating a shift in migration patterns post-Brexit.

4. Challenges in Managing Migration:

   • Lack of Cooperation: The UK's reduced cooperation with the EU on migration, especially in areas like Dublin cooperation, Europol, and Mediterranean migration, poses significant challenges.
   • Impact on Smuggling Networks: The UK's diminished role in combating migrant smuggling networks affects its ability to manage immigration effectively.

5. Costs and Consequences:

   • Loss of Opportunities: Britons have lost their free movement rights within Europe, impacting their ability to reside, study, work, or provide services across the continent.
   • Excessive Costs for Control: More control over EU inflows comes at the cost of restricted opportunities for Britons in the European Union.

6. Future Challenges and Recommendations:

   • Need for Comprehensive Framework: The absence of a clear framework for managing migration between the EU and the UK presents a significant challenge, requiring a reformed approach similar to the pre-Brexit EU cooperation.
   • Possible Solutions: Returning to parts of the Dublin system, contributing to EU missions in the Mediterranean, engaging in EU programs with countries of origin or transit, and enhancing cooperation with Europol are suggested strategies.

The report concludes that Brexit has not 'taken back' control of immigration as promised during the 'Leave' campaign, emphasizing the need for a renewed collaborative approach between the EU and the UK to manage migration effectively and prevent potential crises.