Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Transition Period: Visas

Thursday 1 October 2020 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • George Howarth asked about recent discussions on visa arrangements for British workers at the end of the transition period.
  • The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster stated a desire for visa-free arrangements for tourists and short-term business visitors in the future relationship with the EU.
  • George Howarth mentioned that some EU countries require registration on a professional register before issuing a visa for short-term work, to which the Chancellor acknowledged the importance of ensuring skilled workers have the opportunity to work in the EU.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 George Howarth Lab
Immigration Brexit Business & Trade
Context

No specific context provided. The MP is inquiring about recent discussions on visa arrangements.

Question

What recent discussions he has had with his counterparts in the EU on visa arrangements for British workers at the end of the transition period.

Answer from Michael Gove

We want to see visa-free arrangements for tourists and short-term business visitors as part of our future relationship with the European Union. Temporary entry for business purposes, or mode 4, sets out terms under which a business person can move between trading partners. On short-term business specifically, we are only seeking to lock in on a reciprocal basis arrangements that the UK already offers to third-country nationals.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The response did not provide details about recent discussions with EU counterparts but focused on general intentions and current practices.

How: We Are Only Seeking, Set Out Terms

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 George Howarth Lab
Brexit
Context

The MP has written to the government about professional registration requirements for British workers in certain EU countries like Portugal before they can work there on short-term contracts. He is seeking assurance that this issue will be resolved.

Question

I thank the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster for that answer. He will be aware, because I wrote to him about it, that some European Union countries, such as Portugal, require people to be on a professional register before they can be issued with a visa to work in that country on a short-term contract. Can he give me some assurance that that problem will be resolved before the end of the transition period?

Answer from Michael Gove

The right hon. Gentleman raises a very important question. He is an assiduous advocate for workers and for his constituents. We are working in these negotiations to ensure that, whether in Portugal or elsewhere, those who have skills have the opportunity to work in the European Union to the benefit of both. I am really grateful to him for being so vigilant on their behalf.

Not addressed: The response did not provide assurance about resolving professional registration requirements before the transition period ends but praised the MP's advocacy and stated a general intention.

How: We Are Working In These Negotiations, An Assiduous Advocate

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email