The home secretary has asked the Government’s independent advisers on migration to complete a detailed assessment of the role of EU citizens in the UK economy.
How do I obtain permanent residency in the UK following Brexit?
The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), which comprises a group of internationally recognised experts in their field, will examine the British labour market, the overall role of migration in the wider economy and how the UK’s immigration system should be aligned with a modern industrial strategy. Concern about the long-term social and economic impact of immigration helped drive last year’s vote to leave the EU, and the government has a long-term aim to bring net migration into Britain below 100,000. In 2016, net migration was 248,000. However, with Brexit negotiations already under way and the EU hoping to conclude talks by October 2018, critics said the study should have been commissioned sooner and that uncertainty was already driving EU nationals out of the UK labour market.
What the study will focus on
The commission does not affect EU citizens already living here but concerns the future immigration system. Over the coming months the MAC will consult widely with businesses, employer organisations and EU citizens working in the UK. On 26 June, the government outlined its proposal to protect the position of EU citizens in the UK – and UK nationals in the EU. It contained these commitments:
- EU citizens with settled status will continue to be treated as if they were UK nationals for education, healthcare, benefits, pensions and social housing after the UK leaves the EU.
- No EU citizen currently in the UK lawfully will be asked to leave at the point the UK leaves the EU. There will be a time frame of up to two years for people to regularise their status.
- The process to apply for settled status will include those who already hold a permanent residence document under current free movement rules. The system should be up and running in 2018.
The study in the context of Brexit
The rights of EU citizens living in the UK, and of UK citizens in the EU, have been a key part of discussions between the UK and the European Commission. There was agreement on a large number of issues. In fact, agreement has been reached on half the points that both sides have identified as forming a future agreement on citizens’ rights. A jointly-published UK-EU note sets this out in more detail. This represents a significant step forward in providing reassurance and certainty to EU citizens in the UK and UK nationals in the EU. The next round of negotiations is scheduled for late August. It us understand that EU citizens living in the UK will be watching progress carefully and will be looking for certainty about the future in what is a volatile situation.
How Starck Uberoi can help
Are you a European Union national who wants to live permanently in the UK? Starck Uberoi has an established reputation for delivering exceptional client service combined with clear strategic immigration advice. Whether you need immigration advice for personal or business reasons, we can assist you from the simplest to the most complex of matters. For more information, please see the immigration section of our website.Our offices are based in Brentford, Ealing, Chiswick, Canterbury and London Victoria. For an appointment at any of our offices, email us at solicitor@starckuberoi.co.uk or call 0208 840 6640.
