ONE YEAR TO APPLY FOR SETTLED STATUS: FIFE MSP ENCOURAGES EU CITIZENS TO STAY
Published date : 02 Jul 2020
Mid Fife and Glenrothes MSP, Jenny Gilruth, has written an open letter to EU citizens in her constituency to encourage them to apply for settled status before next year’s 30 June deadline.
EU Citizens living in the UK have to apply for settled status as part of the UK Government’s post-Brexit registration system.
Jenny is offering her advice and support to every EU citizen in her constituency as they apply for settled status. Constituents can get in touch by email to Jenny.Gilruth.msp@parliament.scot or by calling 01592 764815 to book an appointment at one of her regular telephone advice surgeries.
The Scottish Government has made it a priority to support EU citizens during this time and has worked with JustRight Scotland, a legal and human rights organisation, to publish guidance on the rights of EU citizens in Scotland to vote and work, and to access healthcare, education, housing and benefits.
Useful factsheets are available in English, Polish, Romanian, Lithuanian, Spanish and Italian at justcitizens.scot/EU. The factsheets can be used by EU citizens themselves as well as anyone who is involved in service delivery or who wants to better support people living here.
Last month, it was reported that thousands of EU nationals across Fife who have applied for settled status are either still waiting for a final decision to be made or have only been given temporary pre-settled status, meaning they will have to reapply within five years or be forced to leave the country.
In her open letter, Jenny Gilruth MSP said:
“Please do not forget that Scotland is your home, you are welcome here, and you are valued. I hope you will take the time to apply for settled status and continue to contribute to life in Fife and Scotland.
“There can be no doubt that Scotland’s fight against Covid-19 has been helped by our EU citizens working and contributing to support our NHS and vital public services.
“Although I would prefer you did not have to go through this process, please do not let next year’s deadline pass without applying for settled status. You can get in touch with me at any time for help or advice with this or any other issue.”
Jenny also wrote to all EU citizens in Mid Fife and Glenrothes ahead of last year’s original 31 October Brexit deadline and also held a special joint advice surgery with Citizens Advice & Rights Fife (CARF) earlier that month.
EU Citizens can access more information about how to apply for settled status and support available from the Fife Centre for Equalities online at centreforequalities.org.uk/EUreferral or by calling 01592 645310.
Nina Munday, Manager, at Fife Centre for Equalities said:
“Fife Centre for Equalities wish to thank Jenny Gilruth MSP for her effort in informing EU Citizens living or studying in Fife about the support available to help them to stay in Fife.
“Fife EU Settlement Partnership can offer support and assistance in applying for settlement status. To access this support, individuals only need to fill in a simple form on centreforequalities.org.uk/EUreferral or call 01592 645310.”
Jenny Gilruth MSP’s full letter can be read here: https://we.tl/t-Clsfy8xI0R .
ENDS
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