‘We want to ensure EU citizens who have contributed so much to our society can continue to call Wales their home’
Alun Cairns: Page 26
New Home Office statistics show that up to the end of July more than one million people have been granted settled or pre-settled status under the UK Government’s EU Settlement Scheme, including 15,000 from Wales. EU citizens will have until at least December 31, 2020, to apply, deal or no deal, it said. Here Welsh Secretary Alun Cairns says the million milestone ‘is a sign of the Government’s unequivocal guarantee that EU citizens will have the absolute certainty of the right to live and remain in the UK’
EU NATIONALS make an invaluable contribution to a wide range of sectors in Wales. From those working in manufacturing, farming, fishing and engineering to the nurses, doctors and other health staff who have a huge impact every day in clinics, hospitals and in the homes of some of the most vulnerable in our society. We recognise their hard work and dedication.
Citizens from the EU have for a long time played a crucial role in growing our economy and shaping Welsh life. Without them Wales wouldn’t benefit from such a rich diversity of cultures and the vibrancy of the languages heard in our towns and cities along with Welsh and English. That is why we are clear that we want them to stay.
But we understand that this is an uncertain time, particularly for those who may be questioning their rights in the UK after Brexit.
Our message to them remains unchanged. We want to ensure EU citizens who have contributed so much to our society can continue to call Wales their home, even after we leave the EU on October 31.
I’m pleased that so many have chosen to stay. So far one million people have received status to remain in the UK as before. In Wales we’re making good progress and thousands of people have already applied to the scheme.
This is an important milestone, a sign of our unequivocal guarantee to more than three million EU citizens now living and working among us that they will have the absolute certainty of the right to continue living in the UK. We are grateful to them for their patience as this scheme has been rolled out.
But we also recognise that we have more work to do to ensure more of the approximately 80,000 EU citizens living, working and studying in Wales submit their applications in time.
Our first priority in the negotiations to leave the EU was to secure the rights of EU citizens living in the UK and in March we launched the EU Settlement Scheme to make sure all citizens living in the UK are able to get the immigration status they need.
Our current efforts are focused on ensuring EU citizens across Wales are aware of what they need to do to secure that status. That’s why we committed £4m to a UK-wide radio, TV and digital advertising campaign to ensure the message that the scheme is open is seen and heard by
all communities affected.
There’s also the www.gov.uk/ eu settlement scheme website, with easy-to-understand information on the process and a telephone resolution centre for in-depth support.
We recognise that there may be barriers for vulnerable people in completing their applications, which is why we’ve committed up to £9 million to enable voluntary and community sector organisations to assist vulnerable EU citizens in making their applications.
There are currently 57 organisations located across the UK and in Wales to ensure services are available to those who need it most.
So far the UK government has worked with more than 200 community groups, voluntary sector bodies and businesses who employ EU citizens across the UK to inform them about the scheme.
I have also held many constructive meetings with members of our EU Exit panel and economic advisory board where I have stressed the economic impact that EU citizens make in Wales and reiterated the UK government’s commitment to support them.
Local authorities in Wales also recognise the need to provide support. Together, we’re making it easier for people to get assistance with proving their identity, including a passport checking service in Caerphilly.
Applicants can now receive faceto-face support to complete their online form at 21 centres across Wales, from Newport to Rhyl and Aberaeron. In some cases, a digital tutor can visit their home or a location of their choice.
The Welsh Government has also announced a package of support including help with applications through the Citizens Advice network throughout Wales, an immigration advice service and work with charities and partners to raise awareness of the EU Settlement Scheme in hard-to-reach and vulnerable communities.
These complementary measures will enable more people to continue living and working in the UK without uncertainty about their right to stay here.
While there is still plenty of time to complete an application, I would encourage anyone who has not applied yet to do so.
For those who know someone who might be affected, it is all of our duties to support our friends, colleagues, neighbours or family members and you should advise them to visit www.gov.uk/eusettlementscheme to apply.
We recognise that this can be an unsettling time for many communities but we want to support everyone in this process.
However we leave the EU on October 31, the EU Settlement Scheme will continue because the immigration status granted will remain valid once we have left, allowing EU citizens to continue to enjoy living here.