Four million apply to stay after Brexit

MORE than four million applications have been made to the EU settlement scheme so far, figures suggest.

EU citizens and their families are asked to apply to the Home

Office scheme by June next year, in order to carrying on living and working in the UK when the Brexit transition period and freedom of movement ends.

According to provisional Home Office figures to the end of September, 4,061,900 applications have been received since the scheme opened in

March last year.

More than two million of those (2,172,200) have been granted settled status, allowing them permanent leave to remain.

More than 1.6 million (1,614,600) have been granted pre-settled status, meaning they need to reapply after living in the country for five years to gain permanent residence.

But 16,600 applications have been refused, 34,600 were withdrawn or void and 42,400 were deemed invalid – where the Home Office decides someone is not eligible to apply or has failed to provide sufficient proof of residence.

Last month immigration experts warned children in care and modern slavery victims who are EU citizens could “fall through the cracks” and lose their right to live in the UK after freedom of movement ends.

Immigration minister Kevin Foster described European citizens as an “integral part of our society, culture and community” and called the scheme “hugely successful”, adding that there was a “range of support” for applicants.