The EU Settlement Scheme (“the Scheme”) allows EU, EEA and Swiss nationals (and their family members) to apply to remain in the UK after the UK leaves the EU. The EEA includes nationals from the EU countries along with nationals of Iceland, Lichtenstein and Norway. The public beta testing phase of the Scheme was initially opened on 28 August 2018 in order to prepare for the public launch on 30 March 2019.
On 18 July 2019, the Home Office released the third experimental statistic report, which reflected data from the date the scheme opened for testing, 28 August 2018, up to and including 30 June 2019.
The statistics show that overall, the total number of applications received in this period was 909,300*. Of these, 805,500 have been concluded, and of the concluded applications, 65%* of applicants obtained settled status, with 35%* obtaining pre-settled status. 121,000 applications were received in June alone.
The majority of applications have been received in England, with Scotland receiving the second highest number of applications followed by Wales and then Northern Ireland.
As of 30 June 2019, 154,000* applications had been made by Polish nationals, the most from any nation, followed by Romania (125,500*), Italy (106,100*), Portugal (80,900*) with Spain in fifth place (60,700*). The fewest applications have been received from Luxembourg (200*), Slovenia (900*), Ireland (*1,300), Malta (1,500*) and Croatia (*1,900).
The full statistics can be found here.
Sajid Javid, then Home Secretary, said last week: “I am so pleased we have had more than 900,000 applications to the EU Settlement Scheme.
“In just a few short months, hundreds of thousands of EU citizens and their families – our friends and neighbours – have secured their rights.
“This is great progress but we have more to do. EU citizens and their families have until at least 31 December 2020 to apply and we want no one to be left behind”.
The deadline to apply for settled or pre-settled status depends on whether the UK leaves the EU with or without a deal. If the UK leaves without a deal, the deadline to apply will be 30 December 2020 and any EEA national applicant must have been living in the UK prior to this date. If, however, a deal is reached, the deadline will be 30 June 2021. Applicants may be able to apply for settled status if they have been living in the UK for a continuous 5 year period, if not, they should apply for pre-settled status. Applying on the scheme is free of charge.
Gherson has extensive experience with applications made under the EU Settlement Scheme and can offer comprehensive advice to anyone wanting to come to work in the UK. If you have any questions or queries please do not hesitate to contact us.
*figures have been rounded
The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please don’t hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.
©Gherson 2019
Solicitor in our Corporate & Complex Teams