Regional Visas A unique immigration solution?

Contents Foreword Executive Summary A Viable Option? 1. Introduction 2. Creating a regional visa system • •

Model 1 - Regional visa governed jointly by local authorities and business needs Model 2 - Regional visa governed by UKVI

3. Criteria for a regional visa • • • • •

Duration of regional visa Switching immigration categories from within the UK Switching regions or employment How would business evidence they have tested the resident labour market? Governance of the Residence Labour Market Test

4. Paying into the NHS •

Accessing public services

5. Family members 6. Owning and renting property 7. Acquiring Permanent Residency 8. Obtaining British Citizenship 9. Entry to the UK 10. Governance of the Regional Visa System •

Governance of Individuals

11. A Global Comparison • • •

Australian Lessons for the UK Canadian Lessons for the UK Historical Lessons for the UK

12. Conclusion 13. Appendix A - Global Regional Systems • • •

Australia Canada Scotland

14. Appendix B - Acknowledgements

PwC |2

Regional Visas – A Unique Immigration Solution? is published by the City of London Corporation. The author of this report is PwC. This report is intended as a basis for discussion only. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the material in this report, the author, PwC, and the City of London Corporation, give no warranty in that regard and accept no liability for any loss or damage incurred through the use of, or reliance upon, this report or the information contained herein. This publication has been prepared for general guidance on matters of interest only, and does not constitute professional advice. You should not act upon the information contained in this publication without obtaining specific professional advice. No representation or warranty (express or implied) is given as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this publication, and, to the extent permitted by law, the authors and distributors do not accept or assume any liability, responsibility or duty of care for any consequences of you or anyone else acting, or refraining to act, in reliance on the information contained in this publication or for any decision based on it.

PwC |3

Foreword The UK’s referendum on EU membership has further heightened the debate around immigration and it is explicitly clear that immigration is a key priority for the UK population. This report by PwC, commissioned by the City of London Corporation, explores the possibility of creating a ‘regional visa’ for non UK nationals. Our objective is to spark public debate on the possibility of allowing regional decision makers to assess and address local immigration needs, as part of a wider consideration of the UK’s future education and skills requirements. As the challenges and opportunities of Brexit are worked through, such an approach could boost the economy overall and increase the integration of migrants in their local community.

Mark Boleat Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee City of London Corporation

Julia Onslow-Cole Partner, Legal Markets Leader and Head of Global Immigration PwC

PwC |4

Executive Summary This report by PwC has been commissioned by the City of London Corporation to explore the possibility of creating a ‘regional visa’ for non UK nationals. Our objective is to spark public debate on the possibility of allowing regional decision makers to assess and address the immigration needs of their region in a post Brexit world. This approach could boost the economy overall and increase the integration of migrants within their local community. Businesses have identified that there is a skills deficit especially in relation to low skilled labour from within the UK workforce. The impending Apprentice