Securing EU rights beyond Brexit day

Monday 30 September 2019

EU citizens and their families have been reminded that there is still chance to secure their immigration rights - if they are yet to do so - before the UK leaves the EU.

The UK and the EU agreed that EU, EEA and Swiss citizens' rights will continue until 31 December 2020.

As a result, if those citizens want to stay in the Bailiwick of Guernsey beyond that date, they will need to apply under the States' Settlement Scheme.

With Brexit officially scheduled for 31 October, Policy & Resources President Gavin St Pier said there was still chance for any citizens who do want to stay to do so. 

"Our EU Settlement Scheme provides a mechanism to secure the immigration rights of EU citizens, and their families, living in the Bailiwick on exit day if they apply through the process," he said. 

"This is a free scheme and provides certainty for residents and businesses, and I would take this opportunity to remind EU citizens living in the Bailiwick to contact the Guernsey Border Agency who can guide them through the process. It is important that there is no doubt about our commitment to respect the rights of EU nationals resident in Guernsey in exit day."

Although a no-deal Brexit is looking increasingly likely, Deputy St Pier said the Bailiwick must also be ready to act in the event that a deal is completed in the next month. 

"Notwithstanding our no deal preparations we must also remember that the present UK government's preference is to leave the EU at 11pm on 31 October with a deal. As such we must plan for a scenario where a Withdrawal Agreement is approved at the European Council in mid-October with the UK then seeking ratification through Parliament by 31 October," he said.