European nationals applying for settled status in the UK are being offered advice and support services as Manchester council gears up for Brexit.
The council has set up a drop-in centre for EU nationals living in Manchester at Manchester Town Hall Contact Centre.
Specialist immigration officers will advise and support people who need help in applying for permanent immigration status as part of the EU Settled Status Scheme.
When the UK leaves the EU , the European Treaty rights for free movement of people will no longer apply.
It means that every European national living in the UK, including children, must ratify their immigration status to ensure that they are legally able to stay.
People have until December 2020 to apply.
People need settled status to ensure that in the future they are entitled to access the services they need, including the right to work, healthcare, education, travel as well as ensuring that children also have secure immigration status.
Deputy leader of Manchester council, Coun Sue Murphy said: “It is a free online application but many vulnerable people may not even know about the scheme or if they do know about it they may not have the skills to apply.
“Everyone currently in the UK from Europe needs to apply and that also means families with children who need to ensure that they also have secure immigration status,” she said.
She added: “We would encourage anyone who is unsure of their status to drop in to one of these sessions and one of the specialist advisers will be able to offer advice and if they need it help to apply online.”
Alice Tligui from CABB says: “All EU, EEA and EFTA nationals living in the UK need to do something to ensure their immigration status is secure.
“It’s really important that people get some immigration advice so that they understand their options and make the right choice depending on their circumstances.”
The drop-in service will operate every second Wednesday 10.00 am – 1.00pm in the Town Hall Contact Centre.
- 9 and 23 October
- 6 and 20 November
- 4 and 18 December
Additional drop-in services in Manchester are also available at Europia Office, St Wilfred’s Enterprise Centre, Royce Road, Hulme every Thursday 10 -1.00pm.
