Update on the EU Settlement Scheme
21 August 2019
There have been some inaccurate reports in the media regarding the rights of EU citizens resident in the UK after we leave the European Union and the Home Office would like to provide some reassurance.
Some inaccurate reporting has suggested that, once freedom of movement ends after Brexit, EU citizens resident in the UK will be left in “legal limbo”.
The Home Office want to reassure all EU citizens and their family members in the UK that they still have until at least 31 December 2020 to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme, even in the event of a no-deal exit. Furthermore, if someone who is eligible for status is not in the UK when we leave the EU, they will still be free to enter the UK as they are now.
Those who have not yet applied to the EU Settlement Scheme by 31 October 2019 will still have the same entitlements to work, benefits and services. Those rights will not change. EU citizens will continue to be able to prove their rights to access these benefits and services in the same way as they do now.
Further details can be found in this free movement factsheet
The Home Office can also be contacted in writing by clicking here.