EU nationals are facing difficulty when applying for jobs and renting property due to confusion over the UK immigration rules. There are still six months remaining to apply via the EU Settlement Scheme, but EU nationals are already being asked to provide proof of their Settled Status when they seek employment or rent a property. The emerging situation has prompted the British government to issue a clarification.
Evidence not required
The guidance for landlords on the UK government website says: “Right to rent checks will continue in the same way until 30th June 2021 for citizens of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. Check their passport or national identity card as before. For family members of citizens from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, follow the usual guidance on documents you can accept for their right to rent checks.
It goes on to say “It is against the law to citizens of the EU, EEA or Switzerland to prove that they have settled status or pre-settled status when they start a new tenancy. You do not need to make retrospective checks for existing tenants.”
The situation stems from the UK’s’ ‘Hostile Environment’ policy, which makes landlords double as immigration officials when they let property to overseas nationals. Under the policy, landlords who do not conduct these checks can face heavy fines or even imprisonment.
Immigration Solicitors Rochdale, Manchester and Oldham
If you have any queries on the matters raised in this article and need the help of Oldham immigration solicitors, Manchester Immigration solicitors or Rochdale 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.
