Date updated: Thursday 27th September 2018
Immigration

EU Nationals - The Post Brexit plans

The UK Government has released information on the proposed scheme for EU nationals once the UK leaves the EU. This transitional scheme will run from 29 March 2019 until 31 December 2020.  There will be two types of status:

  1. Settled Status
  2. Pre-settled Status

From 1 July 2021 all EU nationals must hold one of these two statuses.

Settled Status

This will allow those EU nationals who have lived in the UK for 5 or more years to obtain confirmation of their settled right in the UK.

The settled status will require EU nationals to take 3 steps:

  1. To prove their identity,
  2. To prove they live in the UK, and
  3. To disclose they have no “serious criminal convictions”.

The Home Office will liaise with other Government departments to check on employment and benefit records. There will be a fee of £65 (£32.50 for those under 16 years of age). Any EU nationals who already have confirmation of their permanent residence will have their fee waived. The deadline for applications will be 30 June 2021.

Pre Settled Status

Those who have not yet completed 5 years in the UK will be granted pre-settled status. After completion of five years, settled status can be applied for.  Close family members will also be eligible for both statuses.

An application may be refused if you the application is not resident in the UK by 31 December 2020 or on the grounds of a serious criminal conviction or for security reasons or fraud.   It is important to note that Parliament is yet to give their approval to these plans, although it is anticipated that there will be no objections.

Stone King advises any employer with EU employees to seek support and advice to ensure you are fully prepared for Brexit.