In July 2021, EU nationals without Settled Status will lose their rights to remain in the UK. They will lose their rights to work, to access healthcare, to rent homes overnight. Many will have just played a vital role in keeping the country running and staffing the NHS. Others will have cared for the elderly, or delivered our groceries and takeaways. Among the groups most at risk of failing to apply are children of EEA nationals unaware of the need.
No scheme of such proportions has ever had a 100% success rate. The Government knows thousands will fall through the cracks and face the hostile environment that already cruelly punishes migrants.
The Prime Minister said he hoped the law will be ‘merciful’, and the Home Office praises its ‘generous’ scheme. But the power to ensure no person is left without their rights lies with the Government.
We call on the UK Government to drop the deadline for applications to the Settled Status scheme and grant all eligible automatic status.