The UK Home Office has started stripping some EU citizens of their post-Brexit residency rights, telling at least 100 people the rights were granted 'in error' as they near the end of their pre-settled status.
Key facts
- The UK Home Office has begun removing some EU citizens' post-Brexit residency rights.
- At least 100 people have been told their residency was granted 'in error', according to the Guardian.
- Those affected were nearing the end of their five-year 'pre-settled status' and preparing to upgrade to permanent 'settled status'.
- The move has raised concerns about Britain's compliance with its withdrawal agreement with Europe.
- Potentially hundreds of thousands of EU citizens could be affected.
The UK Home Office has started stripping some EU citizens of their post-Brexit residency rights, in a move that has raised concerns about Britain’s compliance with its withdrawal agreement with the European Union, according to the Guardian.
The department has told at least 100 people that their residency rights were granted ‘in error’, the newspaper reported. The notifications have disrupted the lives of people who have spent years building lives in the UK.
The affected individuals were coming to the end of their five-year ‘pre-settled status’ and preparing to upgrade to the permanent ‘settled status’ when they received the letters. The timing has left them facing uncertainty over their right to remain in the country.
The Guardian reported that potentially hundreds of thousands of EU citizens could be affected by the issue, though at least 100 people have so far been told directly that they were granted residency in error.
The development has prompted questions about whether the UK is meeting its obligations under the withdrawal agreement it signed with Europe, which set out protections for EU citizens who had settled in Britain before Brexit.
For those affected, the letters mean being told they have no right to remain after years of living, working and building lives in the UK.
Why it matters
The withdrawal agreement was intended to protect the rights of EU citizens who made their homes in the UK before Brexit. Telling people their residency was granted 'in error' raises serious questions about legal certainty for those affected and about whether Britain is honouring its international commitments.
Frequently asked questions
How many people have been affected?
According to the Guardian, at least 100 people have been told their residency rights were granted in error, though potentially hundreds of thousands of EU citizens could be affected.
What is the difference between pre-settled and settled status?
'Pre-settled status' is a five-year residency status, after which holders can upgrade to permanent 'settled status'. The affected individuals were nearing the end of their pre-settled period when they received the letters.
Why does this raise concerns about the withdrawal agreement?
The move has raised concerns about Britain's compliance with the withdrawal agreement it signed with Europe, which set out protections for EU citizens residing in the UK.