To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether EU citizens resident in the UK will be subject to penalties if they do not apply for settled status by the deadline of (a) 30 June 2021 and (b) 31 December 2020 in the event that the UK leaves the EU without a deal.
Answered on
5 November 2019
Through the EU Settlement Scheme, we have provided a free and easy process for EU citizens resident in the UK to obtain the immigration status they need to continue living in this country. We have received over 2.2 million applications so far and those who have yet to apply have more than a year to do so, as the deadline if the UK leaves the EU without a deal will be at least 31 December 2020. We are providing additional support to those who require assistance in applying to the scheme.
Those who fail to make an application will not have lawful status in the UK when the new immigration system is introduced, but we have been clear that, where they have reasonable grounds for missing the deadline, they will be given a further opportunity to apply. Our compassionate and flexible approach will ensure that individuals who miss the deadline through no fault of their own can still obtain lawful status in the UK.