EU CITIZENS APPLICATION FOR SETTLED STATUS UNDER THE EU SETTLEMENT SCHEME

July 2021

If you didn't apply for the EU settlement scheme before the 30 June 2021, please CLICK on the link below to obtain further information.

Government website - Apply for EU Settlement Scheme

January 2021

EU nationals living in the borough are reminded that there are less than forty days to go until the deadline to apply for the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS). The Council is urging all residents from EU countries and eligible non-EEA nationals who want to stay in the UK to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme as soon as possible. The deadline to apply is Wednesday 30 June 2021. Those who have not applied by the deadline will lose their legal rights to live, work and access benefits in the UK immediately, applicable from 1 July 2021. EU citizens can also access help from Citizens Advice Richmond, who provides a dedicated support service.

January 2020

This is important information for all EU citizens. The deadline to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme is the 30^th June 2021. This is to give EU citizens either settled or pre-settled status protection according to UK laws after the UK leaves the EU. The type of status awarded will depend on how long the person has lived in the UK. For more information see gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families. Advice and assistance with applications is also available at centres throughout London particularly for disadvantaged and vulnerable families. GO TO: Click here to go to the Local Advice Centre

Bishops' letter for EU settlement scheme (click here)

January 2019

Bishop welcomes scrapping of 'Settled Status' fee for EU Citizens in UK

After Brexit, EU citizens who have lived in the UK for more than five years will have to apply for 'Settled Status' if they wish to remain here. Until today, there was a fee of £65 to apply for this status. The government has now decided to waive the fee.

Bishop Paul McAleenan has welcomed the announcement from Prime Minister Theresa May.

Lead bishop for migration and asylum for the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales, Bishop McAleenan said: "I am pleased that the government has abandoned plans to charge EU citizens for securing their existing rights.

"As I conveyed to the immigration minister earlier this year, such charges would not only be unjust, but would also create an unnecessary barrier for many people accessing the settlement scheme.

"The Church stands in solidarity with all EU citizens who have made their home here and we will continue to engage with the government as the scheme is implemented."

Statement on Settlement Scheme for EU citizens (Dec 2018)

Bishop Paul McAleenan, the lead Catholic Bishop for Migration and Asylum, has issued a statement on the government’s forthcoming Settlement Scheme for EU citizens living in the UK. Any EU citizen who wants to remain in the UK after Brexit (with the exception of Irish citizens) will have to apply through the scheme, which is expected to launch in March 2019.

Full Statement

The Catholic Church in England and Wales stands in solidarity with all EU citizens who have made their home here. As the majority are themselves Catholic this is a special pastoral concern for us.

The Church has experienced first-hand the extensive contribution that people from across Europe have made to our society. They are an integral and valued part of our parishes, schools and communities.

We also recognise the evidence that immigration from Europe has not undermined opportunities for UK citizens, but rather brought considerable economic and social benefits.

It is clear that since the 2016 referendum many people living here have faced profound uncertainty and insecurity about their future.

Although the reassurances offered by senior politicians are important, people have been given far too little information or binding commitments about their right to stay.

For some this has been worsened by the appalling rise in hate crime, which has left them feeling unwelcome or even threatened in the country that has become their home.

The Settlement Scheme The government will soon launch a Settlement Scheme, offering EU citizens living here a legal route to remain.

While this is an important step we understand that, especially for people who have contributed to our society over many years, it may feel unjust and divisive that they are now required to apply for permission to stay.

We also expect that some people, particularly those who are already vulnerable, may face difficulties in practically accessing the scheme, leaving their immigration status at risk.

We strongly oppose the decision to charge people for securing the rights they already have. This is not only unprincipled but will also create a barrier for larger families or people facing financial difficulties.

The Bishops’ Conference has made representations on these issues to ministers and through the Home Office working groups set up to discuss the Settlement Scheme. We will continue to do so as it is implemented.

Applying for the scheme Notwithstanding our concerns about these principles and practicalities, it remains a fact that EU citizens must apply if they are to protect their existing rights and their place in our society.

We therefore ask Catholic parishes, schools and organisations to bring the Settlement Scheme to the attention of all who need to avail of it and to be aware of vulnerable people who may face barriers to applying or not realise that they need to apply.

Finally we urge the whole Catholic community to take up Pope Francis’ call to welcome, protect, promote and help to integrate everyone who has made their home here - with particular concern at present for our European brothers and sisters.