Citizens Advice in Dorset is encouraging all EE & EEA Nationals who haven’t already done so, to apply for the Government’s EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) for the new immigration status they’ll need to have by the 30th June 2021 deadline.
The EUSS application is free, can be completed online and must be completed by all EU & EEA Nationals. Applicants must have been resident in the UK by 31st December 2020.
Daniel Cadisch, Chief Officer, Citizens Advice Central Dorset said: “The uptake in rural Dorset has been quite low. We know that in the Dorset Council area, there are approximately 12,000 EU residents and our records show that just under 40% of residents (5,000) have not yet applied to the settlement scheme.”
“We would particularly like to create awareness amongst the more vulnerable members of the community who may not fully understand the process or may need help completing their applications, together with:
- Individuals who have lived in the UK for many years, even if more than 30 years, and may not realise that they still need to apply.
- EU or EEA Nationals with children who were born in the UK.
- Those with more than one child (applications need to be made for each individual child)
Daniel continues: “Many EU & EEA Nationals are unaware of the potential consequences of not applying by the deadline. It may lead to complications when looking to work or study in the UK, renting a home, using the NHS or accessing benefits.”
Citizens Advice in Dorset would like to encourage EU & EEA Nationals living in Dorset to contact them with any questions they may have about applying for settled status. There is a team of dedicated advisers on hand to help with any questions and to help with the application process. Please call or text the EUSS team on 0776109270 or email [email protected]
People can apply online for the Government’s EUSS Settlement Scheme or more information is available on the Citizens Advice website about applying for settlement status.
For general advice and support, residents can call the Dorset Adviceline on 0800 144 8848 or can visit www.citizensadvicedorset.org.uk.
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For more information contact: Sian Smith, Comms Officer, email: [email protected]
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Notes to editors:
About Citizens Advice in Dorset:
Citizens Advice in Dorset provides free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities to enable them to find a way forward whatever problems they face. We value diversity, promote equality, challenge discrimination wherever we see it and aim to improve the policies and practices that affect people’s lives.
Citizens Advice in Dorset is located across three regions:
- Citizens Advice Bridport bridportca.org.uk tel: 0800 144 8848
- Citizens Advice Central Dorset centraldorsetca.org.uk tel: 0800 144 8848
- Citizens Advice East Dorset & Purbeck edpcitizensadvicedorset.org.uk tel: 0800 144 8848