The UK Government have stated that there will be no change to the rights and status of EU citizens currently living in the UK who apply to the EU Settlement Scheme.
They have released the following update:
“If you’re an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen living in the UK by 31 December 2020, you and your family members can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme continue living in the UK after 30 June 2021.
More than 3.2 million applications have already been made to the EU Settlement Scheme and nearly 2.9 million grants of status under the scheme have already been made. Each of these is accompanied by a digital proof of that status which cannot be lost, stolen or tampered with. People can share their digital status using the online service if the choose.
National Identity Cards at the border
EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens who have, or are eligible for, status under the scheme will be able to use their national identity card to enter the UK until at least 31 December 2025. Thereafter, they will continue to be able to travel here on their national identity card, provided it meets International Civil Aviation Organisation standards.
For other EU, EEA and Swiss citizens, there will be no change to travel document requirements in 2020. We intend generally to phase out their use of national identity cards for travel to the UK and we will set out our plans in due course. We will announce further details, including the date for this change, well in advance to allow travellers good time to plan their trips.
Kind Regards
Home Office Communications”
The EU Settlement Scheme caseworkers are always looking for reasons to approve applications where possible and so we encourage those eligible to apply to the scheme to do so today. You can download the app or apply online however if you or anyone you know needs help with an application, Permits2Work can assist. Please contact us on +44(0)1793 836010 or email enquiries@permits2work.com for further information.