Call for clarity over ‘human cost’ of Brexit

oppose the dehumanising process of forcing people who have lived in Scotland for years to apply for the rights they already have, if such a scheme is put in place then it is crucial that it is well organised and clear for applicants.

“From speaking to my constituents, this is patently not the case.

“To date, the UK Government has utterly failed EU nationals in Perthshire and beyond.

“No government is perfect, and all administrations will make mistakes, but to fail the most basic test of treating people with dignity and respect is unconscionable.”

A follow-up meeting will be held in the next couple of months by the two SNP politicians.

In the meantime, the pair say they will continue to provide individual support to constituents.

Mr Wishart said: “At the meeting we heard from Perth and Kinross residents who have lived here for decades, some over 50 years, who are being told they have to apply to stay in the place they call home.

“We heard the frustration that EU nationals face, having been told they have the right to permanent residency one minute, to being told they must register in order to stay here the next.

“It was heart-breaking to hear fellow citizens speak about the hurt, anger and misery that this whole sorry affair has brought them.”

A spokesperson for the Home Office said: “The EU Settlement Scheme is making it simple and straightforward for EU citizens to get the status they need.

“This is an entirely voluntary test phase, and we are continuing to improve the system before it fully launches on March 30.

“We will always look for ways to grant status.

“A wide range of documentation may be submitted, reflecting the variety of people’s individual circumstances, and we will work with applicants without official documentation to establish their eligibility under the scheme from the material they have.

“In 84 per cent of cases from the second phase of testing, applicants did not need to provide any additional evidence of UK residence.

“Applicants are able to use any laptop or mobile device to make an online application.

“Once the system is fully open, there will be further routes available to have identity documents checked, including a postal route for submitting ID evidence and over 50 locations where applicants can have their passport scanned and verified.

“Assisted digital support and a dedicated telephone advice and support service are also available.

“There will be no application fee when the scheme is fully open in March, so that there is no financial barrier for any EU citizens who wish to stay.

“Anyone who has applied, or does so, during the pilot phases will have any fee reimbursed.”