I think in most of Western Europe "limit immigration" is just the politically correct code for "stop immigration of Muslims and other people from non-Western nations". Skilled workers from Western nations are usually welcomed with open arms.

In England at least, there seems to be a significant “EU immigrants took our jobs” factor as well. As I understand it, that perception was a significant factor in the Brexit vote.

For example see: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/may/20/reality-che...

Also immigrating from another EU country just means to move there and register with the local authorities. Also works for Iceland and Norway, but there you have to get a job within 3? months to be allowed to stay.

Although we're currently having great fun (/s) at the lower end of the German rental market due to all these new young people working here and of course wanting to live somewhere as well.

I think almost everyone wants skilled immigration. People who were supporting Brexit specifically for immigration reasons were saying they'd support exceptions for skilled immigration, especially into the NHS.

Even Nigel Farage is against a cap on immigration and for a points system for skilled immigration!

My point was more addressing why anyone might be surprised at the UK being relatively easy immigration wise.

That said, I'm not sure it really is as simple as skilled immigrants being welcome: there's plenty of people who'd rather we didn't have so many non-Western (culturally!) immigrants regardless of skill.