EU Settlement Scheme: secure your right to remain in the UK

By Stuart Bonar, Public Affairs Advisor NHS Government Race matters Brexit

With applications for the EU Settlement Scheme closing on 30 June 2021, the Royal College of Midwives is urging members from any of the European Union states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland, to secure your right to continue living and working in the UK long term.

Irish citizens do not need to apply as they continue to live and work in the UK, as British citizens continue to have the same rights in Ireland.

The UK left the European Union over a year ago, and on 1 January 2021 the UK left the post-Brexit transition period. Freedom of movement between the UK and the EU has now ended and therefore citizenship of one of the affected countries no longer gives someone the right to live and work in the UK.

If a citizen of one of those countries wants to move to UK they will now need to go through the immigration system, meaning additional costs and visa requirements that did not previously apply. Individuals can check what the rules now are using the UK Government’s website.

If you have friends, family or colleagues living in the UK who are citizens of one of the affected countries, please do share this information with them and ensure they apply before the deadline.