Brexit policy paper published on citizens' rights
The Government has published a policy paper on what would happen to citizens’ rights in the event of a ‘no deal’ exit from the EU.
EU citizens and their family members living in the UK by 29 March 2019 will still be able to secure their status and continue to work, study and access benefits and services post-Brexit on the same basis as they do now.
The EU Settlement Scheme – the new route by which EU nationals and their families can apply to remain in the UK after Brexit – will be fully open by 30 March 2019, as currently planned.
It has also been confirmed the Home Office will continue to look to grant status rather than refuse. In line with the Government’s commitment to be more generous than with the draft Withdrawal Agreement, a person will not be refused status under the EU Settlement Scheme because, for example, they are not economically active or they do not hold comprehensive sickness insurance.
However, there will be some changes to the EU Settlement Scheme if the UK leaves the EU without a deal. For example, if there is no agreed implementation period, the application deadline will be brought forward to 31 December 2020. Further details are set out in the policy, Citizens’ Rights – EU Citizens In The UK And UK Nationals In The EU.
Related links
- Brexit In depth homepage - Statements and updates relating to the Brexit process.
Posted in: Brexit