Story by Miroslav Kandrac | Photo by Christina Tegola
The3million is a non-profit organisation of EU citizens in the UK. It was formed after the Brexit referendum to protect the lives of EU citizens who have made the UK their home.
On 27th December they visited Sheffield and held a public information meeting at Oasis Academy Fir Vale. The meeting was designed to provide reassurance particularly to the Sheffield Roma community concerning their status following Brexit.
The audience was addressed by Eileen Bye, a retired immigration solicitor and interpretation was ably provided by Bibiana Jordan-Horvath. About 80 local Roma residents attended.
We were told that according to current government documentation, those people who have been living in the UK for over five years will be able to apply for settled status in the UK. And those who have been living here for less than five years will be able to apply for pre-settled status.
Applications will be open from 30th March 2019 and the deadline for applying will be 30th June 2021. The fees for adults are to be £65 and £32.50 for children under 16.
The audience was assured that the application process will be straightforward. Evidence of employment and of certain benefits will be needed during the application process in order to prove five years of continuous residence. We were also told that those who had criminal records may find applications more difficult. Also that the five years of residence needed to be continuous. Children of EU citizens born in the UK will still need to make an application.
Generally the reaction to the speakers was positive but it was felt that they didn’t provide information which was not already known to the majority of those present. Those of us concerned hope that assistance will become available to help us complete the application forms when the time comes. We were reminded that it is important to complete the application otherwise our situation as legal residents in the United Kingdom would be compromised.
More information is available at the following link: www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families
