Hundreds had bid to stay in district after Brexit denied

EU nationals rejected by Home Office

Hundreds of EU nationals were refused permission to stay in Canterbury after Brexit, new figures reveal.

Home Office data published for the first time shows that about 350 people who applied to continue living in the area by September 30 had their application rejected.

Applicants can challenge a negative EU Settlement Scheme application by launching an appeal.

But the3million, which campaigns for EU citizens’ rights, is concerned about the status of those who are left “in limbo” waiting for their appeals to be concluded.

The EU Settlement scheme launched in March 2019 to regulate the immigration status of European citizens who live in the UK.

Those who have lived here for five years, and meet the criteria, can receive settled status and remain in the country indefinitely.

Others who have lived in the country for less time can receive pre-settled status, which allows them to remain for a further five years. They can later apply for settled status.

The figures show that since applications opened, 11,060 people applied to continue living in Canterbury, with 10,420 receiving a conclusion by the end of September.

Of them, 4,270 (41%) received settled status and 5,440 (52%) pre-settled.

The highest number of applications came from citizens of Romania (2,960), Bulgaria (1,780) and Poland (960).

Monique Hawkins, policy and research officer at the3million, said many people had lost their job or rental opportunity while waiting for application and appeal outcomes.

She said: “We are extremely concerned about the length of time it is taking to unite people with their lawful status, and thereby their rights to continue living and working in the UK.”

Though the scheme officially closed on June 30, EU citizens with limited reasonable grounds for missing the deadline can still apply to secure their rights.

About 330 applications were submitted after the deadline in Canterbury.

The Home Office said people with a pending application are protected while the outcome of their application is unknown.

A spokeswoman said the EU Settlement Scheme has been an “overwhelming success”, adding: “Caseworkers will always look for reasons to grant rather than refuse.”