Apply now for settled status

EU citizens living in Bridgend county borough have fewer than 50 days to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme.

The scheme, which is part of the UK’s new post-Brexit immigration system, offers citizens of the 27 EU member states, as well as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, the right to keep living and working in the UK as they did when the country was part of the EU.

All EU, EEA and Swiss citizens and their family members who were resident in the UK by December 31, 2020, should apply without delay. Applications are free but must be submitted by the deadline of June 30, 2021.

So far, almost 2,000 EU Settlement Scheme applications have been concluded in Bridgend borough. Of those, 1,370 have been granted settled status and 570 pre-settled status, depending on how long they have lived here.

Council leader Huw David said: “If you are an EU citizen who has made your home here and are contributing to the life of Bridgend County Borough, we want you and your family to be able to continue to live, work and access services here.

“In order to do this, you must apply to the EU Settlement Scheme before the deadline of June 30 – don’t delay if you haven’t applied already.

“Nearly 2,000 application have been concluded so far, allowing residents who are originally from countries including Lithuania, Germany, Portugal and Poland to remain here as part of our communities.”

To check if you need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme, visit the UK Government’s EU Settlement Scheme webpage. If you need to apply, each family member must complete an application. This includes children and anyone aged under 21.

For more information about how to apply, visit www.bridgend.gov. uk/my-council/ performanceplans-and-reports/ preparing-for-brexit/