The Home Office as at 14 May 2020 has received more than 3.5 million applications to the EU Settlement Scheme, according to the latest internal figures.
The milestone was reached with over a year still to go until the 30 June 2021 deadline, making it the biggest scheme of its kind in British history.
This year, the Home Office also announced a further £8 million of funding to help vulnerable EU citizens to apply. This is in addition to the £9 million it awarded to 57 charities across the UK last year.
Throughout the coronavirus pandemic a wide range of support has remained available for those who need help applying or have questions about the scheme. This includes a helpline which reopened earlier this month and provides support 7 days a week.
Minister for Future Borders and Immigration Kevin Foster said: EU citizens are part of the fabric of our society. They are our friends, family and neighbours, enriching our culture and community. I am therefore pleased we’ve already had more than 3.5 million applications, with over a year left until the deadline.
The scheme is the biggest of its kind in British history and there’s still plenty of time left to apply.
Today, updates to the immigration rules will also be laid in Parliament, which include changes to the EU Settlement Scheme.
The rule changes will widen access to the scheme for victims of domestic violence or abuse. If a family member’s relationship with an EEA citizen breaks down permanently as a result of domestic violence or abuse, this, coupled with their own continuous residence in the UK, will be recognised as part of their application.
This underlines the government’s wider commitment to tackling domestic violence and abuse as well as protecting and supporting victims of it.
The rule changes also mean that family members of British or dual British-Irish citizens from Northern Ireland will be able to apply for status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
This delivers on the commitment the UK government made in the ‘New Decade, New Approach’ agreement in January 2020 which restored the power sharing executive in Northern Ireland.
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