Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment he has made of possible changes required to the Civil Service nationality rules to address the provisions relating to freedom of movement after the UK has left the EU.

The Civil Service Nationality Rules are specific to the Civil Service and govern the eligibility of individuals to be employed in the Civil Service on the grounds of their nationality. These rules are distinct from rules governing immigration status, i.e. the right to live/work in the UK, which all employers must comply with.

The Civil Service Nationality Rules reflect a range of legislation, including The Act of Settlement 1700, The Aliens Restriction (Amendment) Act 1919, the Aliens’ Employment Act 1955, The British Nationality Act 1981 and European law. The Cabinet Office is working closely with the Home Office and DExEU to ensure that these rules continue to be operable as broader legislative decisions are made in preparation for the UK leaving the EU.