Dozens of EU nationals told they cannot live in Northumberland since Brexit

Dozens of EU nationals have been refused permission to stay in Northumberland after Brexit, figures reveal.
Around 60 people have been told they cannot settle in Northumberland since Britain left the EU.Around 60 people have been told they cannot settle in Northumberland since Britain left the EU.
Around 60 people have been told they cannot settle in Northumberland since Britain left the EU.

Home Office data, published for the first time, shows around 60 people who applied to continue living in the area by September 30 had their application rejected.

Applicants can challenge a negative EU Settlement Scheme application by launching an appeal.

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But the3Million, which campaigns for EU citizens' rights, is concerned about the status of those who are left "in limbo" waiting for their appeals to be concluded.

The EU Settlement scheme launched in March 2019 to regulate the immigration status of European citizens who live in the UK.

Those who have lived in the UK for five years, and meet the criteria, can receive settled status and remain in the country indefinitely.

Others who have lived in the country for less time can receive pre-settled status, which allows them to remain for a further five years. They can later apply for settled status.

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The figures show that since applications opened, 3,240 people applied to continue living in Northumberland, with 3,050 receiving a conclusion by the end of September.

Of them, 2,060 (68%) received settled status and 860 (28%) pre-settled.

The highest number of applications came from citizens of Poland (870), Romania (360) and Bulgaria (280).

Monique Hawkins, policy and research officer at the3million, said many people had lost their job or rental opportunity while waiting for application and appeal outcomes.

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She added: "Many people report not being able to get through to helplines, and find it next to impossible to get progress updates on their applications.

"For those who have been refused, the administrative review and appeals process face their own lengthy delays.”

Though the scheme officially closed on June 30, EU citizens with limited reasonable grounds for missing the deadline can still apply to secure their rights.

Around 90 applications were submitted after the deadline in Northumberland.

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The Home Office said people with a pending application, are protected while the outcome of their application is unknown.

A spokeswoman said the EU Settlement Scheme has been an "overwhelming success", with 6.3 million applications received and 5.5 million people being granted permission to stay so far.

She added: “Caseworkers will always look for reasons to grant rather than refuse.”