Post-Brexit government statement on EEA nationals
The UK government has released a statement which clearly defines the status of EEA (European Economic Nationals) in the UK in light of the recent vote to leave the European Union.
‘There has been no change to the rights and status of EU nationals in the UK, and UK nationals in the EU, as a result of the referendum.’ – UK government
Its message is a reassuring one for many who are concerned for their future following the vote to leave the European Union (EU), reminding us that the vote is not in itself legally binding and emphasising the fact that the UK will remain a member of the EU until the process of leaving has been concluded.
Some projection has also been made regarding the status of EEA nationals in the UK once the country actually does leave the EU, stating that it expects for the rights of those foreign EEA nationals in the UK to be protected.
‘When we do leave the EU, we fully expect that the legal status of EU nationals living in the UK, and that of UK nationals in EU member states, will be properly protected.’ – UK government
Click here to read the full statement.
Despite this comforting sentiment, however, it is still unknown as to how exactly the government plans to protect the rights of EEA nationals in the UK during the realities of negotiating an exit from the EU.
We would therefore advise any EEA national who wish to remain in the UK for the foreseeable future to prepare themselves as much as possible in the face of the unknown.
To this end, there are various immigration options open to EEA nationals currently living in the UK. If these are not for you, however, the next best course of action would be to:
- gather and retain evidence relating to your residence in the UK so far (this evidence will serve to prove that you have been exercising your right to study, work, or live self-sufficiently in the UK); and
- collate a travel schedule showing your time outside of the UK and ensure that this is kept up to date on an on-going basis.
Collecting and retaining such evidence will help EEA nationals to navigate whatever transitional arrangements are put into place following a formal exit from the EU.
Contact us for more advice on how best to secure your immigration status in the UK.
Prove your right to live in the UK as an EEA citizen
EEA nationals: your post-Brexit options
Applying for British citizenship as an EEA national
EEA nationals: how to apply for permanent residency
How will the vote to leave affect UK employers?
Brexit: what does it mean for UK immigration?
