EU citizens in Dorset urged to apply for settled status
EU & EAA citizens have until the 30th June to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme
Last updated 9th May 2021
For decades, EU citizens had the right under EU free movement law to live their lives in the UK but now must ask for permission to continue to do so by applying to the EU Settlement Scheme.
Citizens Advice in Dorset is encouraging all EU & EEA Nationals who haven't already done so, to apply for the Scheme (EUSS) for the new immigration status they'll need to have by the 30th June 2021 deadline.
The uptake in rural Dorset has been quite low. In the Dorset Council area, there are approximately 12,000 EU residents and our records show that just under 40% of residents (5,000) have not yet applied to the settlement scheme."
The EUSS application is free, can be completed online and must be completed by all EU & EEA Nationals. Applicants must have been resident in the UK by 31st December 2020.
Those who need to apply:
- Individuals who have lived in the UK for many years, even if more than 30 years, and may not realise that they still need to apply.
- U or EEA Nationals with children who were born in the UK.
- Those with more than one child (applications need to be made for each individual child)
Daniel Cadisch, Chief Officer, Citizens Advice Central Dorset said: "We would particularly like to create awareness amongst the more vulnerable members of the community who may not fully understand the process or may need help completing their applications.
"Many EU & EEA Nationals are unaware of the potential consequences of not applying by the deadline. It may lead to complications when looking to work or study in the UK, renting a home, using the NHS or accessing benefits."
Citizens Advice in Dorset would like to encourage EU & EEA Nationals living in Dorset to contact them with any questions they may have about applying for settled status.
There is a team of dedicated advisers on hand to help with any questions and to help with the application process. Please call or text the EUSS team on 0776109270 or email euss.advice@citizensadvicebcp.org.uk
People can apply online for the Government's EUSS Settlement Scheme or more information is available on the Citizens Advice website about applying for settlement status.
For general advice and support, residents can call the Dorset Adviceline on 0800 144 8848 or can visit the website here.