100 days to go for Brexit Message from the Ambassador
HMA Hugh Elliott sends a message to UK Nationals in Spain as the end of the transition period ( December 31) draws near
THE BRITISH Embassy noted that Wednesday marked 100 days remaining on the Brexit transition period – ‘ although uncertainty over the economic deal persist’.
HMA Hugh Elliott recorded a message for UK Nationals living in Spain about the continuing negotiations on the future relationship between the UK and the EU.
The Ambassador said, “I want to reassure you that your rights as UK nationals living in Spain are already protected under the Withdrawal Agreement between the UK and the EU. “And that both the UK and Spanish governments are fully committed to implementing the citizens’ rights provisions in the Agreement.”
The Ambassador reminded Britons of the need to register as a resident as soon as possible, but acknowledged that there are difficulties with getting appointments in some places.
He noted that UK nationals will still be protected by the Agreement, ‘ as long as you can prove you were legally living in Spain before the end of 2020, so the Embassy’s advice is to make sure you have documentation ( eg, padrón certificate, rental agreement, utility bills) to demonstrate you were living here before the end of the year’.
The Ambassador stated that if people have difficulties completing a residency application, the UK government has provided funding to three organisations – Age in Spain, Babelia and IOM – to answer questions and provide practical support.
For details of the help they can provide and how to contact them
The Embassy and consulates are also running a series of Facebook Live Q& As on different topics related to living in Spain and the actions UK nationals may need to take.
All sessions take place on www. facebook. com/ britsin spain and are available to watch afterwards.
The current schedule is as follows, although please note that this is subject to change.
October 6: 18: 00 Pensions, benefits, working and driving October 13: 13: 00 Healthcare October 27: 13: 00 Travel November 10: 18: 00 Education – studying and teaching
November 24: 18: 00 Swallows.
December 1: 18: 00 Residency. December 8: 18: 00 General Q& A
For further information visit gov. uk/ livinginspain and facebook. com/ britsinspain visit gov. uk/ livinginspain.