UK scraps registration fee for ‘settled status’

The British Government has scrapped the £65 registration fee for EU expats who want to continue living in the UK post Brexit.

EU nationals who have lived in Britain for at least five years by the date of Brexit itself can apply for ‘settled status’ to stay indefinitely in the UK. This process was originally set to cost each of those who wanted to stay a registration fee of £65.Passports immigration Emigrate2

However, speaking in the House of Commons on Monday, the day on which the next phase of testing of the scheme for EU nationals to confirm their status launched, PM Theresa May announced that this fee has now been abolished.

“Having listened to concerns from members and organisations like the 3 million group, I can confirm today that when we roll out the scheme in full on the 30th March, the government will waive the application fee, so that there is no financial barrier for any EU nationals who wish to stay,” the Prime Minister said. “Anyone who has, or will, apply during the pilot phase will have their fee reimbursed.”

Business groups welcomed the government’s change of heart, particularly in the hospitality industry where about a quarter of the two million workforce comes from continental EU nations.

Article published 23rd January 2019