I really don't get the big hoo-ha over freedom of movement. Let's be careful what it actually means.
As a Brit, EU freedom of movement allows me a 90 day tourist visa to member countries. Depending on the country, that could be all it entitles me to.
For example, I couldn't travel to Austria or Italy to rent a flat and settle without first proving that I have health insurance, suitable employment lined up, savings and meet a points based entry system. It simply does not mean that I can just flounce to wherever I want in the EU and settle without proving that I will contribute first.
Some countries in EU choose to have more relaxed immigration rules than others. The UK is one that chooses to have relaxed rules.
Non EU immigration is separate. This is commonly points based, including in the UK.
To cut a long story short, governments want immigrants to help solve problems such as ageing population, skills gaps and pension shortfalls but want to have their cake and eat it by also doing nothing to dissuade the public of their view that they are sneaking in to take our jobs.
I really don't get the big hoo-ha over freedom of movement. Let's be careful what it actually means.
As a Brit, EU freedom of movement allows me a 90 day tourist visa to member countries. Depending on the country, that could be all it entitles me to.
For example, I couldn't travel to Austria or Italy to rent a flat and settle without first proving that I have health insurance, suitable employment lined up, savings and meet a points based entry system. It simply does not mean that I can just flounce to wherever I want in the EU and settle without proving that I will contribute first.
Some countries in EU choose to have more relaxed immigration rules than others. The UK is one that chooses to have relaxed rules.
Non EU immigration is separate. This is commonly points based, including in the UK.
To cut a long story short, governments want immigrants to help solve problems such as ageing population, skills gaps and pension shortfalls but want to have their cake and eat it by also doing nothing to dissuade the public of their view that they are sneaking in to take our jobs.