Groups supporting vulnerable EU citizens say that the existence of the voluntary returns scheme contradicts assurances that people are encouraged to register with the EU settlement scheme. They are concerned that EU citizens will be unable to secure a long-term future in the UK as a result.
The Home Office has defended its use of the voluntary returns scheme, with its spokesperson saying: “Some people will choose not to obtain status under EUSS and do not wish to remain in the UK after the deadline. This is why we have written to stakeholders to inform them that EEA nationals that wish to leave the UK may be eligible for support under the voluntary returns scheme.”
EU citizens risk losing status
The revelations come shortly after the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI) warned that hundreds of thousands of EU nationals are potentially at risk of losing their legal right to remain. The organisation’s concerns are for care workers and workers in industries like construction and agriculture, where low-pay, insecure contracts and poor working conditions exist. It fears that many EU citizens will be unable to secure a long-term future in the UK as a result.
Other organisations are also raising awareness of the situation for EU citizens. The Migration Observatory, based at Oxford University, has warned that many EU nationals will miss the 30th June deadline.
Immigration Solicitors Rochdale, Manchester and Oldham
If you have any queries on the matters raised in this article and need the help of Rochdale immigration solicitors, Oldham immigration solicitors and Manchester Immigration solicitors then please contact us on 0161 660 6050 and Scarsdale Oldham Solicitors, Scarsdale Manchester Solicitors and Scarsdale Rochdale Solicitors will be happy to help.
