ongoing Backlog Causes Challenges for Those Proving Legal Status Amidst Brexit Changes
Almost 500,000 European citizens residing in the UK are still awaiting decisions regarding their immigration status, six weeks after the June deadline for the EU Settlement Scheme. European nationals and their families were required to submit applications by June 30 to continue living and working in Britain following Brexit.
As of July, the Home Office reported that 483,200 applications to the scheme remained pending. Advocates for EU citizens expressed concerns over the government’s failure to address the significant backlog, leaving many individuals “in limbo” and struggling to prove their legal status in the UK.
The 3million group, which advocates for the rights of EU citizens, highlighted that those awaiting decisions are facing difficulties in applying for jobs, relocating, and in some cases, traveling in and out of the country.
Luke Piper, the group’s head of policy, emphasized the worry surrounding the high backlog, stating, “The rate of decision-making by the Home Office appears static.” He noted that the ongoing uncertainty is causing tangible issues for individuals trying to demonstrate their status in the UK.
Immigration lawyer Bhavneeta Limbachia criticized the delays in issuing a “certificate of application” to EU citizens, a crucial document that proves their right to reside and work in the UK while awaiting a decision. She pointed out that this backlog is detrimental not only to the EU nationals but also complicates matters for landlords and employers trying to determine if applicants have the legal right to rent or work.
The Independent has previously reported instances of EU nationals being detained at airports post-Brexit due to a lack of physical proof of residency in the UK.
Following the deadline, over 58,000 European nationals applied late for settled status, according to recent Home Office figures. The government has stated there is no cutoff for late applications and reassured that those who apply late will have their rights protected while awaiting decisions and potential appeals.
However, campaigners have raised alarms about the government’s decision to terminate benefits for EU nationals who failed to apply for the scheme. Many of these individuals are reportedly unaware of the need to apply for settled status, which could push the most vulnerable into poverty.
An internal report from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) indicated that the process of cutting benefits for those who have not applied will begin next month. Final warning letters will be sent in September to EU benefit claimants, giving them one month to apply late for the settlement scheme before their benefits are discontinued.
Since the launch of the scheme in March 2019, over 6 million applications have been submitted, with more than 2.8 million granted settled status and an additional 2.3 million receiving pre-settled status, necessitating reapplication after five years for permanent residence.
