The Government, in its latest update on the EU Settlement Scheme, has announced that a total of 1.5 million applicants have applied under the EU Settlement Scheme.
This means that nearly 300,000 applications were made in just August alone. The surge indicates the ongoing uncertainty that surrounds the UK’s exit from the EU. In our experience, the surge in applications has also led to longer processing times.
Whilst EU Citizens who are resident in the UK pre-Brexit date are able to apply under this scheme until 31 December 2020 (in the event of a no-deal Brexit), the confusion surrounding EU citizens entering after Brexit remains. It may therefore be easier to obtain a secure form of status to avoid any uncertainty at the border.
The Clarkslegal Immigration Team have been running seminars, workshops and an EU Settlement Scheme clinic to support EU nationals ahead of Brexit.
Our team has also been assisting family members of EU nationals, who may be eligible for an EU Settlement Scheme family permit.
If you are an employer, an EU national or a family member of an EU national, and would like more information about this scheme, please contact our Immigration Team.