Brighton & Hove’s European citizens on track to stay in the city

EU Settlement Scheme

Figures released this week, (6 February 2020), show that almost 15,000 EU residents in Brighton & Hove have already applied to the EU settlement scheme. The most recent Home Office figures show that 5,220 EU people applied in the 3 months between 1 Oct and 31 Dec 2019.

Now the UK has left the EU, all EU citizens must apply to the EU Settlement Scheme if they want to continue living in the UK beyond June 2021.

The application process is free and has been designed to make it straightforward for EU citizens and their family members to continue living in the UK after 30 June 2021. The application has 3 key steps; proof of identity, proof of UK residency and a declaration of any criminal convictions.

Help to apply

Brighton & Hove’s diverse population includes people from over 150 different countries including an estimated 19,000 from the EU.

Commenting on the figures, BHCC’s Brexit Working Group member, Daniel Yates said: “I’m pleased to see that a significant number of our EU residents have already applied to the scheme but there are still many more who haven’t. Our EU citizens are valued members of our city’s vibrant make-up and a key part of our workforce, in our schools, hospitals, public sector services and hospitality industry.

“Our message is clear. We want you to stay in Brighton & Hove and there is support available if you need it.

“The council’s Registrar Team is continuing to provide a free identity checking service at Brighton Town Hall and there’s also help available at Jubilee library if you don’t feel confident applying online or don’t want to send your documents by post.”

If you or anyone you know needs help with an application, please contact the Settlement Resolution Centre on 0300 123 7379. Alternatively, you can ask a question via email here. 

Migrant Help is providing advice to vulnerable migrants and Citizens Advice also offers advice for EU citizens

Data for Brighton & Hove is from the EU Settlement Scheme quarterly statistics up to December 2019