POLICY: LCC position on Citizens’ rights in the event of a ‘no deal’ Brexit

Not sure why this didn’t make it onto the LMP blog, but we found this on the VAL website last week. 

“Leeds City Council has shared the information below, providing an update on key changes in the event of a ‘no deal’ situation.

• Irish nationals do not need to apply for the EU Settled status.
• The basis for qualifying for EU Settled Status will remain the same for those residing in the UK by 29 March 2019. This means that EU nationals living in the UK by this date will be eligible to apply for the scheme securing their status under UK law.
• The digital application process will remain the same.
• Those here by 29 March 2019 will have to apply for pre or settled EU status by 31 December 2020.
• EU citizens will continue to rely on their passport or ID cards to evidence their rights to reside in the UK.
• The new UK immigration system, outlined in the recently published White Paper, will be implemented on 1 January 2021.
• Family members of EU nationals already residing in the UK by 29 March 2019, will have until 29 March 2022 to join their family members in the UK. Those include: children, spouses or partners, parents and grand-parents living overseas at exit.
• EU nationals lawfully residing in the UK by 29 March 2019 will be able to continue to access benefits and services broadly as they do now. The specific entitlements may vary across the UK where policy implementation is devolved.
• Some aspects of healthcare and social security rights will depend on further negotiations with individual member states.
• EU nationals will be able to stand and vote in upcoming May 2019 local elections. Further rights will depend on reciprocal bilateral arrangements.

• Funding is available to bidders from the voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations willing to support vulnerable EU citizens and their family members with making their EUSS applications. Bidders should note they may bid only once, and their submission must fall into the funding category of projects between £5,000 up to £39,999 or projects between £40,000 up to £750,000. Deadline 1 February 2019.  Click here for details. If you plan to bid please contact Henriette Mahamane (details below).

If you have any queries or would like any further information, please contact Henriette Mahamane, ‘Leeds Migration Support’ Coordinator, Communities and Environment, Leeds City Council at [email protected]“