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<p>We are working with the tourism and hospitality sector to ensure it remains globally
competitive.</p><p> </p><p>Whether the UK leaves with a deal or not, the UK and the
EU have proposed reciprocal visa-free travel arrangements to enable UK and EU citizens
to continue to travel freely for tourism in the future. The Government has also confirmed
that EU nationals can continue to travel on a national ID card until December 2020
and use e-gates when travelling on a passport. The Home Office has also announced
that the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore and South Korea will
be added to the list of countries whose nationals will be eligible to use ePassport
gates to enter the UK from Summer 2019.</p><p> </p><p>For those visitors who need
a visa, the UK Visas and Immigration service (UKVI) aims to deliver a world-class
customer experience that is competitive, flexible and accessible. UKVI have a number
of projects underway that will deliver significant customer service improvements this
year.</p><p> </p><p>In terms of access to labour, the Government has confirmed that
in a no deal scenario EU nationals can work or study in the UK for up to three months
and those who wish to stay longer will need to apply to the Home Office for leave
to remain within three months of arrival. Subject to identity, criminality and security
checks, leave to remain will be granted for 36 months which will include permission
to work and study. Those who wish to stay longer-term will need to apply in due course
under the future immigration system. We will continue to engage with the tourism sector
through the Tourism Industry Council on the proposed future immigration system from
2021.</p><p> </p><p>The proposed tourism sector deal, which is in formal negotiations,
has a strong focus on competitiveness through boosting connectivity (both transport
connections and digital connectivity) and working with destinations to build quality
tourism products that meet visitors needs and expectations. A key focus is also making
the sector more attractive to UK nationals through investment in skills, career development
and retention policies.</p>
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