It is probably fair to say that overall the introduction of the points-based system has not had the impact on migration patterns that commentators on either side of the debate had predicted. In the immediate aftermath of Brexit, serious concerns were expressed in the construction sector over the likely impact of large numbers of EU workers potentially returning to their native countries without any other migrant or native workers to take their place. 

The new system was introduced in the wake of the referendum, in a transparent bid to limit the number of overseas migrants to the UK. By supposedly managing population flows at the borders, policies to restrict immigration were central to the message of “take back control” which dominated the referendum campaign. 

The points-based system, in this sense, was seen to contrast starkly with EU freedom of movement, under which the UK was unable to set either numerical or policy limits on the number of people entering the country (beyond transition periods for accession states).