Just over a year ago, we published an article on the Government’s plans for dealing with the rights of EU nationals currently living and working in the UK.  In simple terms, those who have lived in the UK for 5 years or more will be able to apply for ‘settled status’, meaning they will be able to stay here indefinitely.  Those who have been here for less than 5 years will be able to apply for ‘pre-settled status’, permitting them the right to stay in the UK until such time as they have been here for 5 years.  At that point, they can apply for ‘settled status’.  All in all, this policy ought to be relatively reassuring!
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One bone of contention, however, has been the proposed £65 fee which the Government intended to charge all adults who apply for ‘settled status’.  Some have argued that the fee is insulting, essentially charging people to stay in the UK when they may have lived and worked here for many years and may well see this as their permanent home.  Well, Theresa May has seemingly listened to these concerns and recently announced the Government’s intention to scrap the fee, meaning that applications for ‘settled status’ can now be made free of charge.

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So should you be doing anything now?

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If you are an EU national yourself or you have EU nationals working within your business, it’s worth finding out more about the ‘settled status’ scheme and the means by which you can apply.  

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Further details are available on the Government website at:
https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families/applying-for-settled-status

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