The Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) Act 2020 (Commencement) Regulations 2020

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

Regulation 2 of these Regulations brings section 5 and 6 and Schedules 2 and 3 of the Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) Act 2020 (c. 20) (“the Act”) into force on the day after the day on which these Regulations are made. Section 5 is a power to make provision by regulations in consequence of, or in connection with, Part 1 of the Act. Section 6 of the Act provides a power to make regulations modifying retained direct EU legislation relating to social security co-ordination and Schedules 2 and 3 make associated provision.

Regulation 3 commences section 2 immediately before IP completion day (23.00 GMT on 31st December 2020). Section 2 inserts a new section 3ZA into the Immigration Act 1971 (c. 77) clarifying that Irish citizens do not require leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom, except in certain circumstances.

Regulation 4 commences the remaining provisions of the Act, except section 3, on IP completion day. Section 1 introduces Schedule 1, which repeals the principal provisions of retained EU law relating to the free movement of persons. Section 3 amends section 61 of the UK Borders Act 2007 (c. 30) by adding the Act to the list of legislation falling within the definition of “the Immigration Acts”.

Regulation 5 commences section 3 of the Act on 12th January 2021, so far as that section is not brought into force by section 9(2) of the Act. Section 3 requires a review of the ways in which protection claimants (and, in particular, unaccompanied children) who are in a member State of the European Union can come to the United Kingdom lawfully, a consultation on unaccompanied children in a member State of the European Union, as well as the publication of a report on that review.

A full impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no, or no significant, impact on the private, voluntary or public sector is foreseen.