Do you employ EU Nationals in the UK? If so, they may need to apply under the EU Settlement Scheme for either Settled Status or Pre-settled Status.
It still remains unclear what will be happening post – Brexit. We do know that having the freedom for movement for UK nationals and European Economic Area (EEA) nationals that are in the UK, will no longer be available.
There is currently a Free Movement Directive, which will remain until D-Day, 29th March 2019. The Free Movement Directive allow EEA citizens and their families to live, work and study in any of the countries within the European Economic Area. After the 29th March 2019, there is no certainty on this Directive and will depend on what was agreed in the Brexit deal. Whatever deal is agreed, there is likely to be a timeframe for transitioning until 31/12/20.
In the worst case scenario, a no-deal is struck and the UK drops out of the EU, therefore foregoing the transition period. If this happen, it will mean that any EEA nationals wishing to live and work in the UK, they will have to apply for permission to do so under the immigration rules for the UK; just like they would if they were Asian or American.
If a deal is agreed after and before the transition period ends any EU nationals (except Irish nationals), who are living, working or studying here will be required to apply for the EU settlement scheme, for either a:
- Settled status; or
- Pre-settled status
There is also various deadlines for these applications.
Employers need to understand that if a no-deal is struck, the EU settlement scheme would be available only for EU nationals already resident in the UK by 29/03/19; EU nationals arriving after 29/03/19 would not be able to qualify for settled status.
Visit the .gov website for full details of the EU settlement scheme and how to apply for settled status: https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families.
For reassurance, if you’re dealing with a workplace issue, contact us: Tel: 0843 1760043 / Email: hello@specialisedhr.co.uk
www.specialisedhr.co.uk