The Midsomer Norton MP writes:

Last week, the Minister for Future Borders and Immigration, Kevin Foster, wrote to Members of Parliament announcing that the deadline for applications to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) for EU, EEA and Swiss citizens has expired.

In his letter, the Minister said that the scheme has been a huge success and that, as of the end of June 2021, more than 6 million applications had been received. More than 5.1 million grants of status will allow EU, EEA and Swiss citizens to continue to work, study, and access free healthcare and benefits in the UK.

From 1 July 2021, new immigration rules for EU, EEA and Swiss citizens come into force. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens and their family members are required to hold a valid UK immigration status to live in the UK. If they do not already do so, this status can be obtained either through the EUSS if they were resident in the UK by 31 December 2020 or are a joining family member or through a valid visa.

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can expect to be asked to use their digital status to prove their right to work in the UK or their right to rent to landlords in England. Other services and departments such as HM Revenue and Customs, the Department for Work and Pensions and the NHS will have automatic access to their eligibility status.

The EUSS has the provision for late applications to be made by 31 December 2020 and the Home Office will continue to ensure that the EUSS is accessible and capable of handling vulnerable applicants. Protecting the rights of vulnerable citizens is a fundamental tenet of the EUSS.