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<p>The Government set out its proposals for the future skills-based immigration system
in the White Paper published on 18 December. It states that those wishing to base
themselves in the UK to work on a self-employed or freelance basis will continue to
able to do so where they are able to qualify under the exceptional talent, business
start-up or innovator routes. In addition, those skilled professionals who are technically
self-employed but effectively filling a position with a UK-based business, for example,
barristers, will continue to be able to be sponsored under the new route for skilled
and highly skilled workers.</p><p>The UK has existing commitments under the General
Agreement on Trade in Services and bilateral free trade agreements concluded between
the EU and third countries which provide for the admission of contractual service
suppliers and self-employed professionals where they are coming under contract to
supply a service to a UK client. These commitments, which the UK expects to continue
to be bound by following the UK’s exit from the EU, are currently implemented through
existing provisions in the UK immigration system, and these arrangements will continue
after the UK leaves the EU. The Government expects to build upon these existing commitments
in future trade agreements with the EU and other key trading partners.</p><p>The White
Paper on the UK’s future relationship with the EU sets the Government’s intention
to agree reciprocal mobility arrangements with the EU that support businesses’ ability
to provide services.</p>
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