The Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) Act 2020 received Royal Assent on 11 November 2020. This is the legislation which will end the free movement of persons under retained EU law in the UK at 11pm on 31 December 2020. It will also repeal other retained EU law relating to immigration.

A new points-based immigration system will apply to EU (including EEA and Swiss) citizens arriving in the UK from 1 January 2021 onwards and these workers will need to apply for a work visa in advance. They will be awarded points for a job offer at the appropriate skill level, if they speak English, and for meeting the appropriate salary threshold. Visas will be awarded to those who gain enough points. However, Irish citizens will continue to be able to enter and live in the UK as they do now.