Lawyers warn of Brexit hurdles for business travellers

UK citizens and businesses travelling across the European Union for work could face “all sorts of sanctions” if they do not apply for the correct work permits after Britain leaves the bloc.

When the UK leaves the European Union, British people can travel around the Schengen area without any need for travel permits or visas, audience members were assured, during a Brexit advice session with immigration law firm Fragomen on Monday evening.

But UK citizens and businesses in Luxembourg working cross-border were warned they might not be eligible to work in certain areas of the zone – which comprises 22 of the 28 current European Union member states – without certain permits.

“If you are going somewhere for a meeting and you do not have a work permit for there, there could be all sorts of sanctions for you and your employer,” Ian Robinson, a partner in the firm's London office said at the evening, co-hosted by the British and American chambers of commerce.

For example, British workers and businesses in Luxembourg who do part of their work in France, would have to make sure they take into account French rules and regulations for British workers post-Brexit, Christine Sullivan, who works in the firm’s Belgium office said.

“If you have a regional role such as supervising and you have to cross the border you must pay attention to what you are doing,” said Christine. “It’s not just about what you are doing somewhere it’s also about how much time you are spending somewhere.”

Sullivan also explained if the UK leaves the European Union without a deal on October 31 this year, there will be a 12-month “grace period” for UK citizens in Luxembourg.

This means UK citizens already living and working in Luxembourg will retain their right to live and work in the Grand Duchy but will need to apply for work and residence permits by the end of the period.

“UK citizens wishing to live and work in Luxembourg should arrive before October the 31 so they can benefit from the grace period,” added Sullivan.

British people who have lived in Luxembourg for 5 years or more are eligible to apply for citizenship.

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