Highland Council Issues Reminder As EU Settlement Scheme Deadline Approaches

27th May 2021

The Highland Council is encouraging anyone who has not yet applied to the EU Settlement Scheme to do so before the 30 June deadline to ensure they can continue to work in the UK and have access to public services.

The UK Government Home Officed have just released the latest quarterly figures for the EU Settlement Scheme and these figures show that 10,950 EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens, residing in the Highland area, have now applied for Settled Status. This is an increase on the previous quarterly figure of 10,140. However, the EU Settlement Scheme closes on 30th June 2021 and any EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who reside in the Highland Council area and have yet to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme, are encouraged to do so without any further delay.

Councillor Jimmy Gray who recently chaired The Highland Council's Brexit Working Group said: "I am greatly encouraged by the increasing numbers of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens in the Highland Council area who have applied for EU Settled Status and chosen to make their lives here. You are very welcome and I hope that you will continue to prosper and positively contribute towards the communities you live, learn and work in. However, I would like to appeal to those who have yet to get around to applying for the EU Settlement Scheme to do so without any further delay. This process, which is free to use, closes on 30th June 2021 and allows you and your family to continue to work in the UK and access the public services and benefits you contribute to such as the NHS."

Anyone wishing to apply must do so online, using a PC, laptop, Android device or iPhone, on the GOV.UK website at www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families (external link)

Telephone support is available from the EU Settlement Resolution Centre. Call 0300 123 7379 Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm or weekends from 9.30am to 4.30pm.

A helpline service called EU Citizens Support is available by phone from the Citizens Advice Bureau - Call 0800 916 9847 Mondays and Fridays from 9am to 1pm or Wednesdays from 1pm to 5pm.

Advice and assistance is also available from the Citizens Rights Project who can also offer support in different languages. Phone 07518 926137 or email info@citizensrightsproject.org

A step to step guide on the EU Settlement Scheme can be found at gov.uk/EUSettlementScheme