Bradford Council slams rumours that EU citizens will be deported after election

In a statement, the local authority said: "These rumours are not true.

"Citizens who need to secure their rights via the settlement scheme should do so before 31 December 2020.

"Please note however, that due to a backlog it is advised to apply as soon as possible so applications can be processed and decisions can be given before the 2020 deadline."

Those wanting to find out more about securing their rights to live and work in the district should visit: www.bradford.gov.uk/your-community/brexit-and-the-settlement-scheme/brexit-and-the-settlement-scheme/

On November 23, the Council is hosting an event to help EU citizens and their families protect their rights to live and work in the UK after Brexit. 

The Windrush Team and Settled – a charity which supports EU citizens - will be running surgeries to help EU citizens and their families secure their rights.  

After Brexit, all European Union citizens and their families wishing to stay in the UK will need to protect their rights to live and work here.

This includes EU citizens who may have been living in the Bradford District for many years.  There may be many EU citizens who have been living and working in the UK for decades who may not even know they need to protect their rights.  

Anyone who can secure their status under either the Windrush scheme or Settlement Scheme is welcome to attend this event.

EU citizens/EEA /EFTA citizens and non-UK non-EU family members who arrived in the UK after 1988 can protect their rights by applying for settled status through the EU Settlement Scheme.   Advice workers from Settled will be available to help those who wish to apply to the Settlement Scheme.

EU citizens who arrived before the end of 1988 can apply to the Windrush Scheme to protect their rights, if they prefer not to apply via the Settlement Scheme. The Windrush Team will provide advice and help with applications.  

Commonwealth citizens and other residents who arrived in the UK before the end of 1988 are also invited to attend the event in order to find out about evidencing their Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

There are many citizens who may have arrived in Bradford many years ago. They may assume they don’t need to do anything. However;

• Some people will have ILR but may not have any documents that prove this or their documents may now be very old
• Some EU residents will have Permanent Residence cards which will become obsolete after Brexit
• Some people may assume they don’t need to do anything because their parents have lived in the UK for a long time
• Non EU family members of EU nationals will also need to apply as the EU family cards will become obsolete too.

For anybody that cannot already prove they have immigration status, there is a real risk that once the UK has left the EU, they may find themselves in some difficulties.

For example, they may find that they cannot prove that they have a right to work or to housing, have problems with bank accounts and claiming benefits and even lose the right to claim free NHS treatment and to drive.

To prevent this and ensure that the many people who may be in this position protect their rights, Bradford Council has arranged an information and guidance session on November 23 at the Margaret MacMillan Towers from 10.30am-2.30pm

The event will provide details on:

• How to secure Settled Status by applying to the EU Settlement Scheme;
• How to secure evidence of existing Indefinite Leave to Remain through the Windrush Scheme.

If you would like to speak to someone about the Windrush Scheme, professionals will be available between 10.30am-2.30pm. Assistance for vulnerable people to apply for Settled Status will be available until 2.30pm.

The day will be split into two sessions: a morning session from 10.30am – 12.30pm and then an afternoon session 1pm – 2.30pm

To confirm your place, make organisers aware of any access needs and for any additional information, email: kevin.brain@bradford.gov.uk or call 07790 893 165