EU nationals ‘at risk of losing right to stay’

THOUSANDS OF EU nationals could inadvertently become illegal residents in the UK after Brexit, a new report warns.

Domestic abuse victims, children and the elderly are among those at risk of losing their right to remain in Britain despite meeting the required criteria to stay, according to experts.

This could be because they struggle to provide documentation and complete a registration process, or do not realise they need to apply to continue living in the UK legally.

Madeleine Simpson, Migration Observatory director, said: “Most EU citizens should be able to sail through a simplified application process with little difficulty.

“But for a minority of people, the process will be more difficult.

“Many of these are already society’s most vulnerable – whether it is because they are socially isolated, have been victims of exploitation, or face personal barriers such as mental health or poverty.”

It came as EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier said Britain has until the end of 2020 to change its mind on whether to stay a member of the European single market after Brexit.

In an interview with European newspapers, Mr Barnier said Prime Minister Theresa May’s decision to quit the trade bloc can be reversed at any point during the “status quo” post-Brexit transition period, which will last until the end of 2020.

Mrs May has made leaving the single market a “red line” to ensure Britain can end the free movement of EU citizens and regain control of immigration.

But Mr Barnier made clear: “If the UK wanted to change its red lines, we would therefore change ours.”