The Citizens' Rights (Frontier Workers) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020

PART 1 U.K. Preliminary

Citation and commencement U.K.

1.—(1) These Regulations may be cited as the Citizens' Rights (Frontier Workers) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020.

(2) These Regulations come into force on the day after the day on which they are made except—

(a) the provisions specified in paragraph (3) which come into force on IP completion day;

(b) the provisions specified in paragraph (4) which come into force on 1st July 2021.

(3) The provisions specified in this paragraph are—

(a) Part 2, except for the provisions specified in paragraph (4);

(b) Part 4;

(c) regulation 24 in so far as it relates to an appeal against a decision made under Part 2 or Part 4; and

(d) regulation 28.

(4) The provisions specified in this paragraph are regulations 6(1)(b) and 6(2).

Commencement Information

I1 Reg. 1 in force at 4.11.2020, see reg. 1(2)

Interpretation U.K.

2.  In these Regulations—

“the 1971 Act” means the Immigration Act 1971;

“the 2016 Regulations” means the Immigration (European Economic Area) Regulations 2016 M1 ;

“common travel area” has the same meaning as in section 1(3) of the 1971 Act (general principles);

“decision maker” means the Secretary of State or an immigration officer (as the case may be);

“EEA national” means a national of an EEA state who is not also a British citizen;

“EEA state” means—

(a)

a member State; or

(b)

Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland;

“exclusion direction” means a direction issued by the Secretary of State for a person not to be given entry to the United Kingdom on the grounds that the person's exclusion is conducive to the public good;

“frontier worker” has the meaning given in regulation 3;

“frontier worker permit” means a document which certifies a person's frontier workers' rights;

“frontier workers' rights” means the rights a person has as a frontier worker under Part 2 of the withdrawal agreement, Part 2 of the EEA EFTA separation agreement or Part 2 of the Swiss citizens' rights agreement M2 ;

“immigration officer” means a person appointed by the Secretary of State as an immigration officer under paragraph 1 of Schedule 2 to the Immigration Act 1971;

“relevant restriction decision” means—

(c)

an exclusion direction;

(d)

a deportation order made by virtue of regulation 15(1)(b);

(e)

an exclusion or deportation order made or treated as having been made by virtue of the 2016 Regulations, including those continued in effect by regulations made under section 7 or 9 of the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Act 2020; or

(f)

a deportation order made by virtue of section 3 of the 1971 Act;

“required biometrics” means the biometric information required to be provided by the Immigration (Provision of Physical Data) Regulations 2006 M3 ;

“self-employed person” means a person who is established in the United Kingdom in order to pursue activity as a self-employed person within the meaning of Article 49 on the Treaty of the Functioning of the European Union M4 ;

“valid identity document” means—

(g)

a valid national identity card issued by an EEA state; or

(h)

a valid passport issued by an EEA state;

“worker” means a worker within the meaning of Article 45 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

Commencement Information

I2 Reg. 2 in force at 4.11.2020, see reg. 1(2)

Marginal Citations

M1 S.I. 2016/1052. Amended by S.I. 2017/1, S.I. 2017/1242, S.I. 2018/801, S.I. 2019/468, S.I. 2019/745 (amendments not in force) and S.I. 2019/1155.

M2 These agreements are defined in section 39 of the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Act 2020.

M3 S.I. 2006/1743. Amended by S.I. 2015/737, S.I. 2018/928 and S.I. 2019/745.

M4 OJ No C326, 26.10.12, p65.

Meaning of “frontier worker” U.K.

3.—(1) A person is a frontier worker for the purposes of these Regulations if they were, immediately before IP completion day, and have been continuously since IP completion day—

(a) an EEA national;

(b) not primarily resident in the United Kingdom; and

(c) either—

(i) a worker in the United Kingdom;

(ii) a self-employed person in the United Kingdom; or

(iii) a person treated as a worker or self-employed person in the United Kingdom by virtue of regulation 4.

(2) For the purposes of paragraph (1), it does not matter if a person changes from one of the statuses in paragraph (1)(c) to another.

(3) For the purposes of paragraph (1), a person is to be treated as not being primarily resident in the United Kingdom at a particular point in time (“the relevant date”) if—

(a) they have been present in the United Kingdom for less than 180 days in the twelve-month period immediately before the day on which the relevant date falls; or

(b) they have returned to their country of residence at least—

(i) once in the six-month period immediately before the day on which the relevant date falls; or

(ii) twice in the twelve-month period immediately before the day on which the relevant date falls,

unless there are exceptional reasons for not having done so.

Commencement Information

I3 Reg. 3 in force at 4.11.2020, see reg. 1(2)

Retained worker or self-employed person status U.K.

4.—(1) A person who is no longer a worker in the United Kingdom is to be treated as such if the person, immediately following ceasing work in the United Kingdom—

(a) is temporarily unable to work as the result of an illness or accident;

(b) is in duly recorded involuntary unemployment after having been employed in the United Kingdom for at least one year, provided the person satisfies paragraph (5);

(c) is in duly recorded involuntary unemployment after having been employed in the United Kingdom for less than one year, provided the person satisfies paragraph (5);

(d) is in involuntary unemployment and has embarked on vocational training;

(e) has voluntarily ceased working and has embarked on vocational training that is related to the person's previous employment; or

(f) is temporarily unable to work due to pregnancy or childbirth, provided the person satisfies paragraph (5) 12 months after ceasing work and thereafter.

(2) A person to whom paragraph (1)(c) applies may only retain worker status for a maximum of six months.

(3) A person who is no longer a self-employed person in the United Kingdom is to be treated as such if the person, immediately following ceasing self-employment in the United Kingdom—

(a) is temporarily unable to engage in activities as a self-employed person as the result of an illness or accident;

(b) is in duly recorded involuntary unemployment after having worked as a self-employed person in the United Kingdom for at least one year, provided the person satisfies paragraph (5);

(c) is in duly recorded involuntary unemployment after having worked as a self-employed person in the United Kingdom for less than one year, provided the person satisfies paragraph (5);

(d) is involuntarily no longer in self-employment and has embarked on vocational training;

(e) has voluntarily ceased self-employment and has embarked on vocational training that is related to the person's previous occupation; or

(f) is temporarily unable to engage in activities as a self-employed person due to pregnancy or childbirth, provided the person satisfies paragraph (5) 12 months after ceasing self-employment and thereafter.

(4) A person to whom paragraph (3)(c) applies may only retain self-employed person status for a maximum of six months.

[F1 (5) A person satisfies this paragraph where the person has—

(a) provided evidence that they continue to seek employment or self-employment in the United Kingdom; and

(b) registered as a jobseeker with the relevant employment office.]

(6) A person may not retain the status of—

(a) a worker under paragraph (1)(b); or

(b) a self-employed person under paragraph (3)(b),

for longer than six months without providing compelling evidence of continuing to seek employment or self-employment in the United Kingdom.

Textual Amendments

F1 Reg. 4(5) substituted (22.12.2020) by The Immigration (Citizens’ Rights etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1372), regs. 1(2)(c), 7(2)

Commencement Information

I4 Reg. 4 in force at 4.11.2020, see reg. 1(2)

PART 2 U.K. Frontier worker rights

Exemption from immigration control U.K.

5.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), regulation 7 and Part 4 of these Regulations, a person does not require leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under the 1971 Act in any case in which that person is entitled to do so by virtue of their frontier workers' rights.

(2) This regulation does not apply to a person who is subject to a relevant restriction decision.

Commencement Information

I5 Reg. 5 in force at 31.12.2020 on IP completion day, see reg. 1(2)(3)

Right of admission U.K.

6.—(1) Subject to regulation 12, a frontier worker must be admitted to the United Kingdom on arrival if the frontier worker produces—

(a) a valid identity document; and

(b) a valid frontier worker permit.

(2) A frontier worker who is an Irish citizen is not required to produce a frontier worker permit.

Commencement Information

I6 Reg. 6(1)(a) in force at 31.12.2020 on IP completion day, see reg. 1(2)(3)

I7 Reg. 6(1)(b)(2) in force at 1.7.2021, see reg. 1(2)(4)

Person claiming right of admission U.K.

7.—(1) This regulation applies to a person who claims a right of admission to the United Kingdom under regulation 6 where there is reason to believe—

(a) that regulation 12 applies to that person; or

(b) they are not entitled to be admitted under regulation 6.

(2) A person to whom this regulation applies is to be treated as if that person were a person seeking leave to enter the United Kingdom under the 1971 Act for the purposes of paragraphs 2, 3, 4, 7 and 16 to 18A of Schedule 2 to the 1971 Act (administrative provisions as to control on entry etc) M5 except that—

(a) the reference in paragraph 2(1) to the purpose for which the immigration officer may examine any persons who have arrived in the United Kingdom is to be read as a reference to the purpose of determining whether the person is to be granted admission under these Regulations;

(b) the reference in paragraph 3(1)(c) to the purpose for which the immigration officer may examine any persons embarking in the United Kingdom is to be read as a reference to the purpose of determining whether the person has exercised frontier workers' rights while in the United Kingdom;

(c) the reference in paragraph 7 to a person who is, or may be, given leave to enter are to be read as references to a person who is, or may be, granted admission under these Regulations;

(d) the reference in paragraph 16(1) to a decision to give or refuse leave to enter is to be read as a reference to a decision to grant or refuse admission under these Regulations; and

(e) a medical examination is not to be carried out under paragraph 2 or paragraph 7 as a matter of routine and may only be carried out within three months of the person's arrival in the United Kingdom.

(3) For so long as a person to whom this regulation applies is detained under the powers conferred by Schedule 2 to the 1971 Act, or granted bail under Schedule 10 to the Immigration Act 2016 M6 whilst liable to be detained under the powers conferred by Schedule 2 to the 1971 Act, the person is deemed not to have been admitted to the United Kingdom.

Commencement Information

I8 Reg. 7 in force at 31.12.2020 on IP completion day, see reg. 1(2)(3)

Marginal Citations

M5 The relevant parts of Schedule 2 were amended by Schedule 6 to the Criminal Justice Act 1972 (c. 71), paragraphs 2 and 3 of Schedule 4 to the British Nationality Act 1981 (c. 61), paragraphs 6, 8, 9 and 10 of the Schedule to the Immigration Act 1988 (c. 14), paragraphs 5, 7, 10 and 11 of Schedule 2, and Schedule 4 to the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996 (c. 49), paragraph 70 of Schedule 13 to the Access to Justice Act 1999 (c. 22), section 140, paragraphs 43, 56 and 58 to 63 of Schedule 14, and Schedule 16 to the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 (c. 33), sections 63, 64 and 73 of, and paragraphs 3 and 4 of Schedule 7 to, the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 (c. 41), paragraph 149 of Schedule 8 to the Courts Act 2003 (c. 39), paragraph 1 of Schedule 2 to the Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants, etc) Act 2004 (c. 19), sections 27 and 42 of, and Schedule 3 to the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 (c. 13), sections 5, 7, 9 and 13 of, paragraphs 1 and 2 of Schedule 1, paragraph 1 of Schedule 2, and paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 of Schedule 8 to the Immigration Act 2014 (c. 22), sections 46 and 60 of the Immigration Act 2016 (c. 19), and S.I. 2010/21.

M6 2016 c. 19.

PART 3 U.K. Frontier worker permits

Issue of frontier worker permits U.K.

8.—(1) Subject to regulation 9, the Secretary of State must issue a frontier worker permit to a frontier worker on receipt of a valid application under this regulation.

(2) An application for a frontier worker permit must—

(a) be made online, submitted electronically using the relevant pages of www.gov.uk;

(b) be accompanied by—

(i) the required biometrics;

(ii) a valid identity document; and

(iii) evidence the applicant is a frontier worker; and

(c) be complete.

(3) An application under this Part is invalid and must be rejected if it is submitted otherwise than in accordance with the requirements in paragraph (2), (but see paragraph (4)).

(4) Where the Secretary of State receives an application that does not comply with the requirements of paragraph (2)(b) or (2)(c), the Secretary of State must not reject the application as invalid unless the applicant has been given the opportunity to remedy the deficiencies in the application and has failed to do so.

(5) A frontier worker permit—

(a) may be in electronic form;

(b) is proof of the holder's status as a frontier worker on the date of issue; and

(c) must state the name of the frontier worker and the date of issue.

Commencement Information

I9 Reg. 8 in force at 4.11.2020, see reg. 1(2)

Refusal to issue a frontier worker permit U.K.

9.—(1) The Secretary of State may refuse to issue a frontier worker permit where justified on grounds of public policy, public security or public health in accordance with regulation 18, on conducive grounds in accordance with regulation 19, or on grounds of misuse of rights in accordance with regulation 20.

(2) The Secretary of State must refuse to issue a frontier worker permit to a person subject to a relevant restriction decision.

Commencement Information

I10 Reg. 9 in force at 4.11.2020, see reg. 1(2)

Validity of frontier worker permits U.K.

10.  A frontier worker permit issued under these Regulations is valid for—

(a) two years from the date of issue where issued to a frontier worker who is treated as a worker or self-employed person by virtue of regulation 4; or

(b) otherwise five years from the date of issue.

Commencement Information

I11 Reg. 10 in force at 4.11.2020, see reg. 1(2)

Renewal and revocation of permits U.K.

11.—(1) An application for renewal of a frontier worker permit must comply with regulation 8.

(2) The Secretary of State may refuse to renew or may revoke a frontier worker permit at any time—

(a) on grounds of public policy, public security or public health in accordance with regulation 18;

(b) on conducive grounds in accordance with regulation 19;

(c) on grounds of misuse of rights in accordance with regulation 20;

(d) where the permit holder ceases to be or never was a frontier worker; or

(e) where the permit holder is subject to a relevant restriction decision.

(3) An immigration officer may revoke a frontier worker permit at port or while the holder is outside the United Kingdom on the grounds set out in paragraph (2).

Commencement Information

I12 Reg. 11 in force at 4.11.2020, see reg. 1(2)

PART 4 U.K. Refusal of admission and removal

Refusal of admission U.K.

12.—(1) An immigration officer must refuse a person's admission to the United Kingdom by virtue of regulation 6 where—

(a) the refusal to admit that person is justified on grounds of public policy, public security or public health in accordance with regulation 18, on conducive grounds in accordance with regulation 19, or on grounds of misuse of rights in accordance with regulation 20;

(b) that person is subject to a relevant restriction decision; or

(c) that person is not required to produce a frontier worker permit under regulation 6(1)(b) but the immigration officer is not satisfied that they are a frontier worker.

(2) When refusing admission under paragraph (1) an immigration officer must revoke that person's frontier worker permit.

Commencement Information

I13 Reg. 12 in force at 31.12.2020 on IP completion day, see reg. 1(2)(3)

Person refused admission U.K.

13.—(1) This regulation applies to a person who is in the United Kingdom and has been refused admission to the United Kingdom—

(a) because they are not a frontier worker;

(b) because they do not produce a valid identity document or valid frontier worker permit; or

(c) in accordance with regulation 12.

(2) A person to whom this regulation applies is to be treated as if the person were a person refused leave to enter under the 1971 Act for the purpose of paragraphs 8, 10, 10A, 11 and 16 to 19 of Schedule 2 to the 1971 Act M7 (and the provisions of Part 1 of Schedule 10 to the Immigration Act 2016 (immigration bail) M8 apply accordingly), except that in paragraph 19 of Schedule 2 to the 1971 Act—

(a) sub-paragraph (1) is to be read as if after the words “to enter the United Kingdom” there were inserted “under the Citizens' Rights (Frontier Workers) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020”;

(b) in sub-paragraph (2), the references to a certificate of entitlement, entry clearance or work permit (in each place they occur) are to be read collectively as a reference to a frontier worker permit; and

(c) sub-paragraph (3) is to be read as if after the words “to enter the United Kingdom” there were inserted “under the Citizens' Rights (Frontier Workers) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020”.

Commencement Information

I14 Reg. 13 in force at 31.12.2020 on IP completion day, see reg. 1(2)(3)

Marginal Citations

M7 The relevant parts of Schedule 2 were amended by: section 39 of, and paragraph 3 of Schedule 4 to, the British Nationality Act 1981 (c. 61), section 10 of, and paragraph 9 of the Schedule to, the Immigration Act 1988 (c. 14), section 12 of, and paragraphs 6 to 8 of Schedule 2 and Schedule 4 to, the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996 (c. 49), sections 140 and 169 of, and paragraphs 43, 60 and 61 of Schedule 14 to, the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, sections 63, 64, 73 and 114 of and paragraph 4 of Schedule 7 to the Nationality Immigration and Asylum Act 2002, section 42 of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 (c. 13), sections 4, 5, 9, 12 and 13 of, and paragraphs 1 and 2 of Schedule 1 and paragraph 1 of Schedule 2 to, the Immigration Act 2014 (c. 22), section 60 of the Immigration Act 2016.

M8 2016 c. 19.

Revocation of admission U.K.

14.—(1) This regulation applies to a person admitted to the United Kingdom under regulation 6 in circumstances where, under regulation 12(1), that person was not entitled to be admitted.

(2) Paragraph 6(2) of Schedule 2 to the 1971 Act applies to a person to whom this regulation applies, as though the references to—

(a) that person's examination under paragraph 2 of Schedule 2 to the 1971 Act were to that paragraph as applied by regulation 7(2)(a) and (e);

(b) notices of leave to enter the United Kingdom were to a decision to admit that person to the United Kingdom under these Regulations; and

(c) the cancellation of such a notice and the refusal of leave to enter were to revocation of the decision to admit that person to the United Kingdom under this regulation.

(3) Where a person's admission to the United Kingdom is revoked, that person is to be treated as a person to whom admission to the United Kingdom has been refused and regulation 13 applies accordingly.

Commencement Information

I15 Reg. 14 in force at 31.12.2020 on IP completion day, see reg. 1(2)(3)

Removal U.K.

15.—(1) A frontier worker who has entered the United Kingdom may be removed if—

(a) that person ceases to be a frontier worker;

(b) the Secretary of State has decided that the person's removal is justified on grounds of public policy, public security or public health in accordance with regulation 18; or

(c) the Secretary of State has decided that the person's removal is justified on grounds of misuse of rights under regulation 20.

(2) The notice of a decision under paragraph (1)(b) must state that upon execution of any deportation order arising from that decision, the person against whom the order was made is prohibited from entering the United Kingdom—

(a) until the order is revoked; or

(b) for the period specified in the order.

Commencement Information

I16 Reg. 15 in force at 31.12.2020 on IP completion day, see reg. 1(2)(3)

Person subject to removal U.K.

16.—(1) If there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that a person is someone who may be removed from the United Kingdom by virtue of regulation 15(1)(b) that person may be detained under the authority of the Secretary of State pending a decision whether or not to remove the person under that regulation, and paragraphs 17 to 18A of Schedule 2 to the 1971 Act apply in relation to the detention of such a person as those paragraphs apply in relation to a person who may be detained under paragraph 16 of that Schedule.

(2) Where a decision is taken to remove a person by virtue of regulation 15(1)(a) or (c) the person is to be treated as if the person were a person to whom section 10 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 (removal of persons unlawfully in the United Kingdom) M9 applies.

(3) Where a decision is taken to remove a person by virtue of regulation 15(1)(b), the person is to be treated as if the person were a person to whom section 3(5)(a) of the 1971 Act M10 (liability to deportation) applies, and section 5 of that Act M11 (procedure for deportation) and Schedule 3 to that Act M12 (supplementary provision as to deportation) apply accordingly.

(4) A person who enters the United Kingdom in breach of a deportation order made by virtue of regulation 15(1)(b), or in circumstances where that person was not entitled to be admitted under regulation 12 is removable as an illegal entrant under Schedule 2 to the 1971 Act and the provisions of that Schedule apply accordingly.

(5) Where a deportation order has been made by virtue of regulation 15(1)(b) but the person is not removed under the order during the two year period beginning on the date on which the order is made, the Secretary of State may only take action to remove the person under the order at the end of that period if, having assessed whether there has been any material change in circumstances since the deportation order was made, the Secretary of State considers that the removal continues to be justified on the grounds of public policy, public security or public health in accordance with regulation 18.

Commencement Information

I17 Reg. 16 in force at 31.12.2020 on IP completion day, see reg. 1(2)(3)

Marginal Citations

M9 1999 c. 23. Section 10 was amended by section 1 of the Immigration Act 2014.

M10 Section 3(5)(a) was amended by paragraphs 43 and 44 of Schedule 14 to the 1mmigration and Asylum Act 1999.

M11 Section 5 was amended by paragraph 2 of Schedule 4 to the British Nationality Act 1981, paragraph 2 of the Schedule to the Immigration Act 1988, paragraph 2 of Schedule 2 to the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996 and paragraph 37 of Schedule 27 to the Civil Partnership Act 2004 (c. 33).

M12 Schedule 3 was amended by the Criminal Justice Act 

1982 (c. 48), paragraphs 1 and 2 of Schedule 10 to the Immigration Act 1988, paragraph 10 of Schedule 10 to the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996, paragraph 13 of Schedule 2 to the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, section 54 of, and paragraphs 43 and 68 of Schedule 14 to, the Nationality Asylum and Immigration Act 2002, paragraphs 7 and 8 of Schedule 7 to the Courts Act 2003, paragraph 150 of Schedule 8 and Schedule 10 to the Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants, etc) Act 2004, section 34 of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, section 53 of the Immigration Act 2014, section 60 of, paragraph 2(2) of Schedule 1 and paragraphs 9, 20 and 24 of Schedule 9 to, the Immigration Act 2016.

Revocation of deportation orders U.K.

17.—(1) A deportation order made by virtue of these Regulations remains in force—

(a) until the order is revoked under this regulation; or

(b) for the period specified in the order.

(2) A person who is subject to a deportation order made by virtue of these Regulations may only apply to the Secretary of State to have it revoked on the basis that there has been a material change in the circumstances that justified the making of the order.

(3) An application under paragraph (2) must set out the material change in circumstances relied upon by the applicant and may only be made whilst the applicant is outside the United Kingdom.

(4) On receipt of an application under paragraph (2) the Secretary of State must revoke the order if the Secretary of State considers that the criteria for making such an order are no longer satisfied.

(5) The Secretary of State must take a decision on an application under paragraph (2) no later than six months after the date on which the application is received.

Commencement Information

I18 Reg. 17 in force at 31.12.2020 on IP completion day, see reg. 1(2)(3)

Decisions taken on grounds of public policy, public security and public health U.K.

18.—(1) In this regulation, a “ relevant decision” means a decision taken under these Regulations on the grounds of public policy, public security or public health.

(2) A relevant decision may not be taken to serve economic ends.

(3) A relevant decision may not be taken except on imperative grounds of public security in respect of a frontier worker who is under the age of 18, unless the relevant decision is in the best interests of the person concerned, as provided for in the Convention on the Rights of the Child adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on 20th November 1989 M13 .

(4) The public policy and public security requirements of the United Kingdom include restricting rights otherwise conferred by these Regulations in order to protect the fundamental interests of society, and where a relevant decision is taken on grounds of public policy or public security it must also be taken in accordance with the following principles—

(a) the decision must comply with the principle of proportionality;

(b) the decision must be based exclusively on the personal conduct of the person concerned;

(c) the personal conduct of the person must represent a genuine, present and sufficiently serious threat affecting one of the fundamental interests of society, taking into account past conduct of the person and that the threat does not need to be imminent;

(d) matters isolated from the particulars of the case or which relate to considerations of general prevention do not justify the decision;

(e) a person's previous criminal convictions do not in themselves justify the decision; and

(f) the decision may be taken on preventative grounds, even in the absence of a previous criminal conviction, provided the grounds are specific to the person.

(5) Before taking a relevant decision on the grounds of public policy or public security in relation to a frontier worker (“P”) the decision maker must take account of considerations such as the age, state of health, family and economic situation of P, P's length of presence in the United Kingdom, P's social and cultural integration into the United Kingdom and the extent of P's links with P's country of origin.

(6) In the case of a relevant decision taken on grounds of public health—

(a) a disease that does not have epidemic potential as defined by the relevant instruments of the World Health Organisation or is not a disease listed in Schedule 1 to the Health Protection (Notification) Regulations 2010 M14 ; or

(b) if the person concerned is in the United Kingdom, any disease occurring after the three month period beginning on the date on which the person arrived in the United Kingdom,

does not constitute grounds for the decision.

(7) A court or tribunal considering whether the requirements of this regulation are met must (in particular) have regard to the considerations contained in the Schedule (considerations of public policy, public security and the fundamental interests of society etc).

Commencement Information

I19 Reg. 18 in force at 31.12.2020 on IP completion day, see reg. 1(2)(3)

Marginal Citations

M13 Treaty Series No. 44 (1992) Cmd 1976 at 

http://treaties.fco.gov.uk/docs/pdf/1992/TS0044.pdf.

M14 S.I. 2010/659.

Decisions taken on conducive grounds U.K.

19.—(1) This regulation applies to conduct taking place after IP completion day.

(2) A decision under this regulation may be taken on the ground that the decision is conducive to the public good.

Commencement Information

I20 Reg. 19 in force at 31.12.2020 on IP completion day, see reg. 1(2)(3)

Misuse of frontier workers' rights U.K.

20.—(1) The misuse of frontier workers' rights occurs where a person—

(a) observes the requirements of these Regulations in circumstances which do not achieve the purpose of the withdrawal agreement, the EEA EFTA separation agreement or the Swiss citizens' rights agreement as they relate to frontier workers' rights; and

(b) intends to obtain an advantage from these Regulations by engaging in conduct which artificially creates the conditions required to satisfy the criteria set out in these Regulations.

(2) Such misuse includes attempting to remain in the United Kingdom as a frontier worker for purposes other than exercising frontier workers' rights.

(3) The Secretary of State may take a decision on the grounds of misuse of rights where there are reasonable grounds to suspect the misuse of frontier workers' rights and it is proportionate to do so.

(4) This regulation may not be exercised systematically.

Commencement Information

I21 Reg. 20 in force at 31.12.2020 on IP completion day, see reg. 1(2)(3)

[F2 Exemption for Irish citizens U.K.

21A.   Regulations 7 and 13 to 20 do not apply to a frontier worker who is an Irish citizen unless any of paragraphs (2) to (4) of section 3ZA of the 1971 Act also apply to that Irish citizen.]

Textual Amendments

F2 Reg. 21A inserted (31.12.2020) by The Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) Act 2020 (Consequential, Saving, Transitional and Transitory Provisions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1309), regs. 1(2), 50(2)

PART 5 U.K. Administrative review and appeals

Administrative review U.K.

21.—(1) A person (“P”) may apply to the Secretary of State for a review of an eligible decision.

(2) An eligible decision is a decision to—

(a) refuse to issue or renew a frontier worker permit; or

(b) revoke a frontier worker permit under regulation 11(3),

on the grounds that P is not a frontier worker.

(3) Where a valid application is made in accordance with regulation 22 the Secretary of State must withdraw the eligible decision and make a new decision where satisfied that P is a frontier worker.

(4) A person may not apply for a review where they have waived their right to do so by signing an administrative review waiver form.

(5) A person may only apply for a review of an eligible decision once.

(6) Where the Secretary of State withdraws the eligible decision a further application for administrative review may be made in respect of any new eligible decision.

(7) The Secretary of State must not consider whether the applicant is entitled to leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom on some other basis and nothing in these Regulations shall be taken to mean that the applicant may make or vary an application for leave, or make a protection or human rights claim, by seeking an administrative review.

Commencement Information

I22 Reg. 21 in force at 4.11.2020, see reg. 1(2)

Applications for administrative review U.K.

22.—(1) An application for review under regulation 21 must—

(a) be made online, submitted electronically using the relevant pages of www.gov.uk;

(b) be submitted within 28 calendar days of the date of issue of the eligible decision (except where paragraph (5) applies), not including the date of issue;

(c) be accompanied by—

(i) the fee, if any, required to be paid by virtue of regulations made under section 68 of the Immigration Act 2014 M15 ; and

(ii) a valid identity document.

(2) An application submitted otherwise than in accordance with this regulation must be rejected as invalid and must not be considered.

(3) An applicant may withdraw an application at any time prior to decision.

(4) An application is deemed to be withdrawn where an applicant submits a further application for a frontier worker permit under regulation 8.

(5) Where the applicant is present in the United Kingdom and is held in immigration detention on the date of the eligible decision the application must be submitted within 7 calendar days of the eligible decision.

Commencement Information

I23 Reg. 22 in force at 4.11.2020, see reg. 1(2)

Marginal Citations

M15 2014 c. 22.

Removal pending review U.K.

23.—(1) A person who has submitted a valid application under regulation 22, or who has not yet submitted an application but is within time to do so, may not be removed from the United Kingdom until that application has been determined or rejected as invalid.

(2) This regulation does not apply to a person who has withdrawn their application under regulation 22(3).

Commencement Information

I24 Reg. 23 in force at 4.11.2020, see reg. 1(2)

Amendment of the Immigration (Citizens' Rights Appeals) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 U.K.

24.—(1) The Immigration (Citizens' Rights Appeals) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 M16 are amended as follows.

(2) In regulation 2 (interpretation)—

(a) in paragraph (1)—

(i) after the definition of “the 2002 Act”, insert—

““the 2020 Regulations” means the Citizens' Rights (Frontier Workers) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020;”;

(ii) after the definition of “appellant”, insert—

““frontier worker” has the meaning given in regulation 3 of the 2020 Regulations;

“frontier worker permit” has the meaning given in regulation 2 of the 2020 Regulations;”;”

(iii) after the definition of “the Tribunal”, insert—

““valid identity document” means—

(a) a valid national identity card issued by an EEA state, or

(b) a valid passport issued by an EEA state.”;

(b) after paragraph (1), insert—

“(1A) For the purposes of the definition of “valid identity document”, “EEA state” means—

(a) a member State, or

(b) Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland.”.

(3) In Part 2, after the heading to Chapter 1 of that Part, insert— “ Decisions other than those relating to frontier workers ”.

(4) In regulation 6 (right of appeal against decisions to make a deportation order), in the heading, after “order” insert “ in respect of a person other than a person claiming to be a frontier worker ”.

(5) After regulation 6, insert—

“Decisions relating to frontier workers U.K.

Right of appeal against decisions relating to issue, renewal or revocation of frontier worker permits

6A.   A person may appeal against a decision—

(a) to refuse to issue a frontier worker permit to them,

(b) to refuse to renew their frontier worker permit, or

(c) to revoke their frontier worker permit.

Right of appeal against decisions to refuse frontier workers admission to the United Kingdom

6B.— (1) A person may appeal against a decision made under regulation 12 of the 2020 Regulations (a “refusal of admission decision”).

(2) But a person cannot bring an appeal under paragraph (1) without producing—

(a) a valid identity document, or

(b) where paragraph (3) applies, sufficient evidence to satisfy the Secretary of State that they are a frontier worker.

(3) This paragraph applies where—

(a) the refusal of admission decision was made before 1st July 2021, or

(b) the person bringing the appeal is an Irish citizen.

Right of appeal against decision to revoke admission to the United Kingdom

6C.— (1) A person who has been admitted to the United Kingdom under regulation 6 of the 2020 Regulations may appeal against a decision under regulation 14 of those Regulations to revoke that admission.

(2) But a person cannot bring an appeal under paragraph (1) without producing a valid identity document.

Right of appeal against certain decisions to remove frontier workers from the United Kingdom

6D.— (1) A frontier worker who has entered the United Kingdom may appeal against a decision to remove that person taken by virtue of regulation 15(1)(a) or (c) of the 2020 Regulations.

(2) But a person cannot bring an appeal under paragraph (1) without producing a valid identity document.

Right of appeal against decisions to make deportation order in respect of frontier workers

6E.— (1) A frontier worker who has entered the United Kingdom may appeal against a decision to make a deportation order under section 5(1) of the 1971 Act in respect of them.

[F3 (2)  But paragraph (1) does not apply to a person if the decision to remove that person was taken—

(a) under regulation 23(6)(b) of the Immigration (European Economic Area) Regulations 2016 (“the 2016 Regulations”), where the decision to remove was taken before the revocation of the 2016 Regulations, or

(b) otherwise, under regulation 23(6)(b) of the 2016 Regulations as it continues to have effect by virtue of the Citizens' Rights (Restrictions of Rights of Entry and Residence) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 or the Citizens' Rights (Application Deadline and Temporary Protection) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020.]

(3) In addition, a person cannot bring an appeal under paragraph (1) without producing—

(a) a valid identity document, and

(b) if they do not have a valid frontier worker permit, sufficient evidence to satisfy the Secretary of State that they are a frontier worker.

(4) For the purposes of paragraph (3)(b), a person is to be treated as having a valid frontier worker permit if they would hold such a permit but for its revocation following a decision to make a deportation order under section 5(1) of the 1971 Act in respect of them.

Alternative evidence of identity and nationality

6F.   Where a provision of this Part requires a person to hold or produce a valid identity document, the Secretary of State may accept alternative evidence of identity and nationality where the person is unable to obtain or produce the required document due to circumstances beyond the person's control.”.

(6) In regulation 8 (grounds of appeal)—

(a) in paragraph (2)—

(i) in paragraph (a), for “or 25(2)” substitute “ , 24(3), 25(2) or 25(3) ”;

(ii) in paragraph (b), for “or 24(2)” substitute “ , 23(3), 24(2) or 24(3) ”;

(b) in paragraph (3), after sub-paragraph (d), insert—

“(e) where the decision is mentioned in regulation 6A, 6B, 6C or 6D, it is not in accordance with regulation 9, 11, 12, 14, 15(1)(a) or 15(1)(c) of the 2020 Regulations (as the case may be);

(f) where the decision is mentioned in regulation 6E, it is not in accordance with section 3(5) or 3(6) of the 1971 Act, or regulation 15(1)(b) of the 2020 Regulations (as the case may be).”

(7) In regulation 13 (pending appeal), after paragraph (4), insert—

“(4A) An appeal under regulation 6A is to be treated as abandoned if the appellant is issued with a frontier worker permit.

(4B) An appeal under regulation 6B is to be treated as abandoned if the appellant is admitted to the United Kingdom under regulation 6 of the 2020 Regulations.”.

Textual Amendments

F3 Words in reg. 24(5) substituted (22.12.2020) by The Immigration (Citizens’ Rights etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1372), regs. 1(2)(c), 7(3)

Commencement Information

I25 Reg. 24 in force at 4.11.2020 for specified purposes and on IP completion day in so far as not already in force, see reg. 1(2)(3)

Marginal Citations

M16 S.I. 2020/61.

Amendment of the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (Procedure) Rules 2003 U.K.

25.—(1) The Special Immigration Appeals Commission (Procedure) Rules 2003 M17 are amended as follows.

(2) In rule 8(4E) (time limit for appealing), for the definition of “relevant rules” substitute—

““relevant rules” means—

(a) residence scheme immigration rules or relevant entry clearance immigration rules (within the meanings given in section 17 of the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Act 2020), or

(b) the Citizens' Rights (Frontier Workers) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (see regulations 21 to 23 of those Regulations).”.

Commencement Information

I26 Reg. 25 in force at 4.11.2020, see reg. 1(2)

Marginal Citations

M17 S.I. 2003/1034. Amended by S.I. 2007/1285, S.I. 2013/2995 and S.I 2020/61.

Amendment of the Tribunal Procedure (First-tier Tribunal) (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) Rules 2014 U.K.

26.—(1) The Tribunal Procedure (First-tier Tribunal) (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) Rules 2014 M18 are amended as follows.

(2) In rule 19 (notice of appeal), for paragraph (3E), substitute—

“(3E) In this rule, “the relevant rules” means—

(a) residence scheme immigration rules or relevant entry clearance immigration rules (within the meanings given in section 17 of the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Act 2020), or

(b) the Citizens' Rights (Frontier Workers) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (see regulations 21 to 23 of those Regulations).”.

Commencement Information

I27 Reg. 26 in force at 4.11.2020, see reg. 1(2)

Marginal Citations

M18 S.I. 2014/2604: Amended by S.I. 2020/61.

PART 6 U.K. Consequential amendments

Amendment of the Immigration (Provision of Physical Data) Regulations 2006 U.K.

27.—(1) The Immigration (Provision of Physical Data) Regulations 2006 M19 are amended as follows.

(2) In regulation 2 in the definition of “application”—

(a) at the end of paragraph (d) omit “or”;

(b) after paragraph (e) insert—

“; or

(f) an application for a frontier worker permit under the Citizens' Rights (Frontier Workers) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020;”.

Commencement Information

I28 Reg. 27 in force at 4.11.2020, see reg. 1(2)

Marginal Citations

M19 S.I. 2006/1743. Amended by S.I. 2011/1779, S.I. 2015/737 and S.I. 2018/928.

Amendment of the Immigration (Control of Entry through Republic of Ireland) Order 1972 U.K.

28.—(1) The Immigration (Control of Entry through Republic of Ireland) Order 1972 M20 is amended as follows.

(2) In article 4 (restrictions and conditions on entry through Ireland)—

(a) in paragraph (1) for “paragraph (2) and (2A)” substitute “ paragraphs (2), (2A) and (2B) ”

(b) after paragraph (2A) insert—

“(2B) This Article does not apply to a person who is a frontier worker under regulation 3 of the Citizens' Rights (Frontier Workers) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020.”.

Commencement Information

I29 Reg. 28 in force at 31.12.2020 on IP completion day, see reg. 1(2)(3)

Marginal Citations

M20 1972/1610. Amended by S.I. 1980/1859, S.I. 1982/1028, S.I. 2000/1776, S.I. 2014/2475, S.I. 2019/468 and S.I. 2019/745.

Kevin Foster

Parliamentary Under Secretary of State

Home Office