Passport return service for EEA nationals!
The UK government is launching a passport return service for EEA applicants who are applying for proof of their right to live in the UK, or the right to reside permanently in the UK.
The European passport return service is provided by local authorities (ie. a county or city council) who will photocopy the EEA or Swiss passport and forward a copy to the Home Office. This will enable EEA applicants to remain in possession of their passport whilst their application is being processed.
The service is being launched on 1 October 2016 for those EEA applicants using the EEA(QP) or EEA(PR) forms, and is available by appointment only.
This announcement signals that the UK government is now taking the fears of EEA nationals living in the UK seriously following the vote for Brexit, and expects a surge in registration certificate (QP) and permanent residence (PR) applications from this demographic over the foreseeable future.
Smith Stone Walters is a UK immigration practice specialising in all aspects of UK immigration law.
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