As an independent nation, immigration policy would be controlled by the Welsh Government. Wales would have the authority to decide who can enter, stay, work, and settle – whether temporarily, such as students attending university, or permanently, for those wishing to build a new life in Wales.

Would There Be a Hard Border with England?

The idea of a “hard border” with England, with guard posts and passport checks, is highly unlikely. We don’t have to look very far to see why.

Ireland has been independent since 1922, yet travel between Ireland and the UK remains seamless. When arriving in Dublin or Rosslare, no passport checks are required. Similarly, driving between Northern Ireland and the Republic, the only signs of crossing an international border are changes in road markings and signs.

This is because of the Common Travel Area (CTA) – an agreement between the UK and Ireland allowing citizens of both countries to travel freely. In 2019, both governments signed a memorandum of understanding to confirm that the CTA would continue even after Brexit.^[47]

An independent Wales would almost certainly negotiate the same deal as Ireland under the Common Travel Area.

Other possibilities include reaching an agreement with the rest of Great Britain on a shared immigration policy or negotiating separate agreements with other countries regarding who can live and work in Wales.

A Fairer Immigration System

The UK’s immigration system has been criticised for its hostile and inhumane policies.

One of the most shameful examples was the mistreatment of the Windrush generation, where long-standing residents were wrongly detained, denied healthcare, and even deported. This was a result of the UK Government’s "Hostile Environment" policy, which deliberately created barriers for migrants through intimidation and bureaucracy.

An independent Wales could reject this approach, ensuring immigration policy is based on fairness, basic decency and the needs of Welsh communities and our economy.

Wales has long relied on migrant workers in key sectors such as healthcare, social care, and food production. Independence would allow Wales to create an immigration system that works for us, rather than one dictated by Westminster’s priorities.

Decisions Made in Wales, for Wales

The key point is that immigration, citizenship, and border policies would be decided in Wales.

Rather than being forced to accept UK-wide policies that do not reflect Welsh needs, Wales would have the power to:

• Determine who can live and work in Wales.
• Ensure travel remains as seamless as possible.
• Shape a humane immigration system that reflects Welsh values.

Like all other matters, these decisions would be made by the people of Wales, based on the needs of Wales.