Council issues reminder on EU Settlement Scheme support

As a consequence of the UK leaving the EU there is a requirement for EU Citizens (including EEA and Swiss citizens) and their family members (including children) to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to stay in the UK post Brexit. EU Citizens have until 30 June 2021 to apply or 31 December 2020 in the event of a no deal. 

The Highland Council is reminding people about the support that is available.

The EU Settlement Scheme allows you and your family members to get the immigration status that you will need to continue to live, work and study in the UK.

This status means that you can continue to be eligible for:

•public services, such as healthcare and schools

•public funds and pensions

•British citizenship, if you meet the requirements and want to apply

The process is free and overarching guidance is available in 26 languages 

There is also a specific community group toolkit that will equip you with the right materials and information to support EU citizens to apply to stay in the UK.

If you are a vulnerable individual or are seeking assistance on the EU Settlement Scheme for someone you believe to be vulnerable you can get assistance from the Inverness, Badenoch and Strathspey Citizens Advice Bureau 

As well as information for people applying to the scheme, the Council is reminding employers that there is also a special toolkit that will provide them with the right materials and information to support any EU employees apply to remain in the UK. This toolkit is available by visiting - https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/eu-settlement-scheme-employer-toolkit