Are you an EU national living in Greater Manchester? Here's how you need to prepare for Brexit...
All EU nationals living in the UK need to apply for settled status to maintain their rights after Brexit and comply with immigration laws.
A free advice drop-in service has launched in Manchester to help European nationals who live in here to apply for settled status in the UK.
Specialist immigration advice officers will be working out of Manchester Town Hall every second Wednesday from 10.00 am - 1.00pm to help people prepare for life in Britain after Brexit.
When Europe leaves the EU, the European Treaty rights for free movement of people will no longer apply which means that every European national, including children, living in the UK must ratify their immigration status to ensure that they are legally able to stay. People have until December 2020 to apply.
People need settled status to ensure that in the future they are entitled to access the services they need, including the right to work, healthcare, education, travel as well as ensuring that children also have secure immigration status.
Councillor Sue Murphy deputy leader of Manchester City Council said: “It is a free online application but many vulnerable people may not even know about the scheme or if they do know about it they may not have the skills to apply. Everyone currently in the UK from Europe needs to apply and that also means families with children who need to ensure that they also have secure immigration status.
"We would encourage anyone who is unsure of their status to drop in to one of these sessions and one of the specialist advisers will be able offer advice and if they need it help to apply online.”
Alice Tligui from CABB says: "All EU, EEA and EFTA nationals living in the UK need to do something to ensure their immigration status is secure. Its really important that people get some immigration advice so that they understand their options and make the right choice depending on their circumstances."
The drop-in service will operate every second Wednesday 10.00 am - 1.00pm in the Town Hall Contact Centre.
- 9th and 23rd October
- 6th and 20th November
- 4th and 18th December
Additional drop-in services in Manchester are also available at Europia Office, St Wilfred's Enterprise Centre, Royce Road, Hulme every Thursday 10 -1.00pm