All-Party Parliamentary Group on Migration

Event recording: Falling through the cracks: how can we protect vulnerable EU citizens?

A virtual APPG on Migration and IMIX event on the challenges for EU citizens applying to the EU Settlement Scheme – recorded on 7 October 2020

Chair: Neil Coyle MP

Speakers:

  • Dr Mariña Fernández-Reino (Senior Researcher, The Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford and co-author of Unsettled Status – 2020)
  • Luke Piper (Head of Policy, the3million)
  • Rosie Lewis (Deputy Director & VAWG Services Manager, The Angelou Centre – Newcastle)
  • Mihai Calin Bica (Policy and Brexit Information Worker, Roma Support Group)
  • Amanda Shah (Senior Policy Officer, Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit)

As we enter the last 3 months of the transition period, it is vital to understand the successes and pitfalls of the EU Settlement Scheme so far, especially with regards to vulnerable groups.

According to the latest published statistics up to the end of August 2020, there have been more than 3.9 million applications and more than 3.6 million grants of status. The Scheme, praised by ministers and Home Office officials, nonetheless, presents some issues. Charities and organisations working with EU citizens have questioned the extent to which the Scheme has been made accessible for individuals from vulnerable groups or those suffering from digital exclusion. Organisations argue that due to the high number of EU citizens living in the country, if a small percentage of them fail to apply by the deadline of the 30th of June 2021, we could see several thousands unable to lawfully rent a property or work in their adopted home.

The event will include a presentation from the Migration Observatory on their new report “Unsettled Status – 2020” and testimonies from 3 EU citizens who will talk through their difficulties in accessing the Scheme. Please join us to discuss the barriers facing vulnerable EU citizens and consider the steps required to address these, so that everybody, regardless of their circumstances can apply for the status to which they are entitled.

APPG Migration