Immigration and Future Borders Minister for the UK Government, Kevin Foster MP, has announced that EU citizens who did not apply for pre-settled or settled status before the end of the 30 June 2021 deadline can still apply and their cases will be dealt with sympathetically.
There are still many people coming forward since the deadline who are only just realising that the scheme applied to them.
There are, accordingly, concerns that the past deadline will create another Windrush scandal where individuals who have not secured their status by the deadline will experience negative consequences in terms of accessing work and/or benefits in the UK later down the line.
The UK government has announced that if someone has made a valid application to the EU Settlement Scheme by the 30 June deadline, but has not had a decision yet, their rights are protected until their application is decided.
Additionally, the UK government has set out various circumstances where it will accept late applications on ‘reasonable grounds’ for why someone did not apply by 30 June 2021. This is further explained in our blog titled “What happens to EU Citizens who miss the deadline to apply under the EU Settlement Scheme?”
However, even with the government’s sympathy to late applications, there is still concern that there could be many EU citizens who lose their rights. There are specific concerns from charities, such as Mind Newport, that have been funded by the Home Office to provide support to EU citizens after the June deadline. The money for that service is due to run out in September.
Gherson’s expertise in immigration-based claims and range of services that cover the full spectrum of UK immigration categories can help EU nationals with late applications to the EU Settlement Scheme.
Please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or alternatively, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.
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 2021