The coming withdrawal of the benefits of EU citizenship, which for many Europeans in the UK removed the need for British citizenship, raises some practical questions of how to move between countries after Brexit. British citizenship is the only secure status available to EU citizens in the UK at present. EU citizens can apply for permanent residence, but the British government has announced the removal of this status in December 2020. If Brexit talks fail and the UK leaves the EU under a “no deal” scenario, permanent residence rights will cease earlier – in March 2019. The new, “settled status”, will probably not be available until at least the end of 2018.
Dual citizenship
British nationality law does not prevent a person from holding another nationality in addition to British citizenship, but some other countries are not so relaxed about it. Several EU countries prohibit dual citizenship, such as Austria, Lithuania, Estonia, Netherlands, Slovakia and Norway. This leaves some EU citizens facing a difficult choice between retaining their current citizenship or changing to a new one. Surrendering citizenship is a major step and has serious consequences – for children as well as the person themselves.
British citizens in EU countries face a similar choice. If they wish to acquire permanent status in their country of residence, they may have to obtain a visa or pass new post-Brexit immigration checks imposed by the UK on EU citizens entering the UK. Their children would lose the right to British citizenship by descent.
Scarsdale Solicitors Rochdale
For advice on this or any other immigration issues, call the experts: Scarsdale Solicitors Rochdale and Scarsdale Solicitors Oldham take pride in serving our clients, combining our legal expertise and knowledge with impeccable customer service. If you need immigration solicitors Rochdale or immigration solicitors Oldham, call us today on 0161 660 6050.
