Glenrothes MSP encourages late applications to the EU Settlement Scheme

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Glenrothes MSP encourages late applications to the EU Settlement Scheme

Published date : 24 Aug 2021

Mid Fife and Glenrothes MSP, Jenny Gilruth, is encouraging EU nationals living in the Kingdom to apply late to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) if they didn’t so by the end of July.

EU nationals living in Scotland can continue to access Scottish Government support, which has been extended to September, to apply to the UK Government’s scheme.

The constituency MSP wrote to her EU national constituents on a number of occasions before the July EUSS deadline to encourage them to apply and to remind them that Scotland is their home and welcomes EU nationals.

Figures released earlier this month revealed that more than 58,000 applications were made to the EU Settlement Scheme after the July deadline, and the MSP is concerned that those from vulnerable groups may not have been able to apply on time.

Jenny Gilruth MSP for Mid Fife and Glenrothes said:

“The volume of late applications to the Tory government’s despicable EU Settlement Scheme after their arbitrary July deadline says it all. It’s a process that has added unnecessary stress and uncertainty for families during the Covid pandemic.

“I strongly encourage anyone who didn’t apply by the July deadline to do so now. Please remember that Scotland is your home and you are always welcome here.

“I would much rather EU citizens living and contributing to life in Fife didn’t need to go through this process, but the Tory government has said that anyone who is yet to apply effectively loses their lawful immigration status after the deadline, which could impact on getting a new job or moving house.

“Scottish Government funded support continues to be available through Citizens Advice Scotland and Fife Migrants Forum to help EU citizens to make late applications to the scheme and I hope my constituents will make use of this support if needed.”

A spokesperson from Fife Migrants Forum said:

“We welcome all EU nationals to contact us for support regarding late applications as soon as possible. For those people who have already completed their applications we advise you to check your status to ensure your rights in the UK are protected. We will also support you if you are still awaiting an outcome and there are issues to be addressed.”

The UK Government have advised that there are limited reasonable grounds for submitting late applications, including where parents, guardians or councils have failed to apply on behalf of a child; those with serious medical conditions preventing them from applying in time; or “compelling or compassionate reasons” in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

The UK Government has also said there is no cut-off point for submitting late applications.

Notes for editors

The Scottish Government has provided over £1 million of support to community organisations to help EU citizens to apply to the EUSS.

The Scottish Government will continue to support our partners until 30 September to help people make late applications to the scheme. The support includes trained advisors, solicitors, awareness raising and a telephone helpline.

Jenny Gilruth MSP is the Scottish Government’s Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development.

More information on the support available can be found at www.mygov.scot/browse/brexit/eu-citizens-scotland

EU citizens living in Scotland – mygov.scot

Information for EU citizens living in or moving to Scotland. Includes information on the EU settlement scheme, rights and education.

www.mygov.scot

Fife Migrants Forum can be contacted on 01592 642927 Monday – Friday 9.30 am – 3.30 pm.

Citizens Advice Scotland’s free EU Citizens Support Service helpline can be contacted on 0800 916 9847 Monday to Friday 9.00 am – 5.00 pm.

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