With less than three weeks to go to the deadline for EU nationals living in the UK to request “Settled Status” or “Pre-Settled Status”, Llanelli’s MP, Nia Griffith, and MS, Lee Waters are urging eligible local residents who need to apply to do so as soon as possible.
The right to move to and work in the UK for EU Citizens ended with Brexit and those who moved to the UK when the country was still a member of the EU (31 December 2020) and want to continue living and working here have until 30th June to apply.
Those who have been in the UK for more than five years can qualify for “Settled Status”, whilst those who have been here for less than five years are eligible for “Pre-Settled Status”. EU Citizens who have indefinite leave to remain or indefinite leave to enter the UK are exempt.
NIA GRIFFITH, MP for Llanelli said:
“People from the EU who have chosen to make Llanelli their home only have a few weeks left to make an application and I urge them to do so urgently. Settled status will help them to continue working in the UK, enrol in education or continue studying, travel in and out of the country and access the NHS and benefits systems if they are already eligible to do so.”
“This can affect people who have lived here for decades, because if they do not apply by 30th June, they will lose any means tested benefit, including pension credit, so please make sure none of your family miss out.”
“Applying for Settled Status can be done online and all you need is an EU Passport or ID Card. By taking the time now ahead of the deadline, people will be able to secure the rights that are theirs as part of the Brexit process and save themselves so much hassle later on.”
MS for Llanelli, LEE WATERS, added:
“It is important that EU citizens living and working in Llanelli make their applications without delay if they have not already done so. Many have been here for several years and by filling out the form online, they can take advantage of the rights that Settled or Pre-Settled Status gives them.
“Help is at hand for anyone who finds the application process difficult but I would encourage any EU citizens or their family members to take steps urgently to ensure that they start the process as soon as possible.”
Applications should be made at: https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families/applying-for-settled-status