Work permits are being considered for EU citizens as the UK prepares to leave the European Union, home secretary Amber Rudd has said.

The ‘work permit’ system is designed to control migration from the European Union, with Rudd telling the BBC that it “certainly has value”.

“What we’re going to look at is how we can get the best for the economy, driving the numbers down but protecting the people who really add value to the economy,” Rudd said.

“Whether we look at a work permit system or another system is something that my department is looking at closely at the moment.”

However, she conceded that it may have repercussions for UK citizens, including the need for a visa to travel to the EU on holiday. This news will likely come as a huge blow to international businesses and workers, as well as those who travel frequently with family and friends. The scheme could be operated by the 26-nation Schengen Zone, of which the UK has never been a member.

Rudd, one of May’s closest allies in government, says the UK will have “complete control” over immigration post-Brexit. She backs May’s plan to cut immigration from it current total of 327,000 to below 100,000.

12/09/2016