The impact here in Wales, in our community and our workplaces of EU citizens leaving the UK could be quite significant, and so we need to increase awareness of citizens’ rights and support them to remain here.
EU citizens and their families who have been continuously resident in the UK for five years until 31 December 2020 may apply for settled status through the UK Government’s EU Settlement Scheme. They will continue to be able to work, study, and access benefits and services in the UK on the same basis as they do now. Those who have not been continuously resident for under five years will be eligible for pre-settled status. They will also be able to work, study and access benefits and services on the same basis as now.
The Welsh Government is providing a package of free legal advice and support to help EU citizens prepare for Brexit and continue to live and work in Wales.
This package of support:
• Offers support with applications and gives advice on social welfare issues and workplace rights through the network of Citizens Advice throughout Wales;
• Provides an immigration advice service offering specialist support for complex cases, delivered by immigration legal specialists, Newfields Law;
• Increases the provision of digital support centres in Wales – to help those without the digital means to apply for settled status;
• Works with a range of charities and partners across Wales to raise awareness of the need to apply for settled status in hard-to-reach and vulnerable communities.
The Preparing Wales website provides more information on applying to the EU Settlement Scheme. Visit https://gov.wales/preparing-wales/eu-citizens. The deadline for applying is 30 June 2021.