Message

Time is running out for people from other European countries who live in Wales - adults and children alike - who risk losing their rights to live here unless they register for Settled Status by 30 June.

 

Swansea for Europe campaigners took this message to Swansea beach, creating a giant sand artwork measuring 50 metres by 30 metres, to mark Europe Day on 9 May.

 

Citizens of EU and EFTA countries who came to the UK before the end of 2020 have to apply under the UK’s Settlement Scheme by 30 June – otherwise, they will lose their rights to live and work in the UK. This is a new rule because of Brexit.

 

This applies to citizens from the 27 EU countries, plus Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Liechtenstein:

 

It includes:

 

•people who may have been living in the UK for decades, perhaps even before the UK joined the EU, who may not realise that they now need to register;

•children and other dependents of those affected who do not hold British citizenship;

•people who were previously granted UK permanent residence documents, which will no longer be valid after 30 June.

 

Edmund Sides, chair of Swansea for Europe, said:

 

“ We are very concerned that many people, including those who have been here for decades – and even children born here - could lose their rights to live here. The problem is that many of the people who will be affected either don’t know about Settled Status, or don’t realise it applies to them.

 

***More information is available from www.settled.org.uk****

 

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