EU citizens wishing to stay in the UK urged to beat 'deal or no deal' Brexit deadlines, says Highland Council as help is offered
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
European citizens wishing to continue living in the UK after Brexit are being urged to seek out Highland Council help.
The local authority can offer support to anyone from European Union and European Economic Area countries, as well as Switzerland, in applying to the EU Settlement Scheme.
The scheme allows individuals and family members to secure the immigration status needed to continue to live, work and study in the UK.
In the event of a no-deal Brexit, the deadline for applications will be December 31 this year. If there is a deal struck, all European citizens will have until June 30 next year to complete the process.
The EU Settlement Scheme also ensures successful applicants are eligible to continue to use public services, such as healthcare and schools, and are eligible for public funds and pensions.
It can also help secure British citizenship if individuals meet the requirements and want to apply.
The process is free and guidance is available in 26 languages at link .
Also available is a community group toolkit that will equip you with the right materials and information to support EU citizens to apply to stay in the UK: Community group toolkit .
Vulnerable individuals, or those seeking assistance on the EU Settlement Scheme on behalf of someone they believe is vulnerable, can contact Inverness, Badenoch and Strathspey Citizens’ Advice .
As well as those applying to the scheme, the Council is reminding employers that there is a special toolkit providing them with the right materials and information to support any EU employees in applying to remain in the UK.
This toolkit is available by visiting here .
