On 21st January, the third wave of testing began on EU residents who live in the UK. They were formally asked to register for a new post-Brexit “settled” status. The Home Office extended the live trial to include EU citizens with a valid passport and also to non-EU citizen family members – as long as they have a biometric ID card. Critics are warning that thousands of individuals are likely to be left without a formal right to remain in the UK if the applications are not processed by the authorities quickly enough.
Test Phases for Settled Status
The scheme is made up of two “private” test phases. Phase 2 involved almost 30,000 applications being submitted, leading to just over 27,000 decisions. Of those applications, everyone was accepted by the Home Office. 70% of applications have been granted settled status – with those remaining granted pre-settled status.
However, a series of bugs were discovered in the Android app, which led to the rollout being delayed by several weeks. The app still cannot be used on iPhones – which prevents thousands of people from being able to complete their application. If the scheme fails, experts predict another Windrush-type Scandal as EU citizens who do not apply for settled status before 2021 will lose the right to live and work in the UK.
Scarsdale Solicitors in Oldham and Rochdale
For advice on the Brexit fallout or any other issues about immigration, call your local experts: Scarsdale Solicitors Rochdale & Scarsdale Solicitors Oldham are proud to serve our local clients, combining expert immigration law knowledge with customer service that is second to no other. If you are in need of immigration solicitors Rochdale or immigration solicitors Oldham, call us today on 0161 660 6050.
