Update on the EU settlement scheme for EU citizens living in the UK
21 Aug 2019
The UK government has issued new reassurance for EU citizens and their family members in the UK
There have been reports in the media regarding plans to end freedom of movement after we leave the EU, and what this means for EU citizens resident in the UK.
The UK Government wishes to reassure all EU citizens and their family members in the UK that they still have until at least 31 December 2020 to apply to the EU settlement scheme, even in the event of a no-deal exit. Furthermore, if someone who is eligible for status is not in the UK when we leave the EU, they will still be free to enter the UK.
Those who have not yet applied to the EU settlement scheme by 31 October 2019 will still have the same entitlements to work, benefits and services. Those rights will not change. EU citizens will continue to be able to prove their rights to access these benefits and services in the same way as they do now.