Post Brexit: Frontier Worker permit applications are now open

The Government has now published detailed guidance on applying for a Frontier Worker permit following the end of the Brexit transition period. The scheme is open to Frontier Workers who have worked in the UK prior to 31 December 2020.

A Frontier Worker are workers who live in one EU country, and work in another. Their right to freely move within EU Member states is covered under the Frontier Worker Regulations. These Regulations will no longer apply to the UK from 1 January 2021.

Under the terms of the EU Withdrawal Agreement, Frontier Workers who have worked in the UK, but are not primarily resident here, will have their right to continue their work following the end of the transition period. However, from 1 July 2021, they will have to apply for a Frontier Work Permit.

The Frontier Work permit scheme was announced on 10 December 2020 and requires a formal application from eligible workers. The application process shares similarities with the EU Settlement Scheme, which is open to EU citizens resident in the UK prior to 31 December 2020. The applicants can use the UK Immigration ID check app to verify their identity. As Frontier Workers are not primarily resident in the UK, they must provide evidence of their ‘Worker’ status in the UK prior to 1 January 2021.

Once granted, the applicant will normally be issued with a digital status which is normally valid for up to 5 years (or 2 years if applying under the retained worker category). Applicants who do not use the smartphone app will be issued with a physical permit.

The Frontier Worker permit scheme is not a route to settlement, but individuals are able to renew their permits, provided they continue to meet the eligibility requirements of this scheme.