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Brexit Transition Period is Not to be Extended

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has refused to extend the transition period beyond December 31, 2020

At the beginning of Brexit negotiations the transition period was allowed to be extended by 12 or 24 months, if both sides agreed to it. 1 of July 2020 was set as a deadline for extending the transition. 

However, the British government has refused to extend the transition period beyond December 31, 2020. This promise was made to the British voters who voted for the Conservative Party and cannot be broken, the Prime Minister Mr. Johnson stated. According to the officials, the extension may lead to serious uncertainty for businesses and citizens.

That means the European Union and the UK will have to set a deal in the next six months to avoid a “No-deal” scenario. The EU and UK shared plans “to intensify the talks in July and to create the most conducive conditions for concluding and ratifying a deal before the end of 2020”.

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Will the Brexit transition period be extended due to COVID-19?

The main question about Brexit that arises now: “Will COVID-19 crisis slow the Brexit process down?”. And the official decision made by British government so far is to stick with the current timetable and to end the transition by December 2020.  

Brexit and Covid. Is Brexit essential?

Under the terms of the current deal, Britain can request a one-time extension of the transition period for one or two years. It can be extended, if both parties agree on such a move by the end of June.  But as Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove claimed on May, 4, “Were we to perpetuate our membership of the European Union-lite through the transition period, we would end up spending more taxpayers’ money – which can be spent on the NHS – we would have to accept new EU rules which might constrain our ability to fight Covid-19 and deal with other crises, and we would be unfortunately and unfairly trespassing on the EU’s need to concentrate on other vital priorities.” According to the British government, the extension would require the UK to continue following EU rules at a time when it “needs flexibility” to deal with the crisis. And it would also prolong business uncertainty in the time when the economy is in need of confident moves.

Meanwhile, anti-Brexit parties doubt that by January the UK will really get ready to implement a new immigration and trade system and all border arrangements. As Britain is among the countries worst hit by Covid-19, its lockdown will probably be extended, meaning the part of the economy will be left shackled.

Despite the critical pandemic situation, Britain and the United States now begin trade negotiations. More than 100 participants in the US-British talks will take part in a video conference on May, 5, the purpose of which is the agreement on trade relations between the United States and Britain after the transition period.

It is expected that the first round of trade negotiations will last about two weeks and will cover issues of trade in goods and services, digital services, as well as investment and support for small businesses.

In Britain many conservative parties consider the potential free trade agreement with the United States one of the main advantages of leaving the EU.

What do you think, would it be worth extending the transition period now? Let us know in the comments!

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Brexit. What EU citizens living in the UK need to know

I am a Polish / Lithuanian / Latvian / Romanian / Greek / Portuguese / Czech citizen. What do I need to do to continue living and working in 2021 and beyond in the UK?

British flag & EU flag

Answer: The EU Settlement Scheme allows you to continue to live, work and study in the UK. It means you continue to be eligible for:

  • public services, such as healthcare and schools
  • public funds and pensions
  • British citizenship, if you want to apply and meet the requirements

Am I eligible to apply?

To apply, you need to be an EU citizen or a non-EU family member of an EU citizen.

You need to be living in the UK by 31 December 2020.

If you have been living in the UK for more than five continuous years at the point when you apply then you will be eligible for settled status. If you have been a resident for less than five continuous years at that point, you will be eligible for pre-settled status. 

What about my family members?

If you are an EU citizen living in the UK, you and your family members are protected under the EU Settlement Scheme. Family members do not need to be from the EU; they can come from anywhere in the world (referred to as non-EU citizen family members).

Close family members that are not living in the UK by 31 December 2020 will be able to join you in the UK at any point in the future. They will need to be able to show their relationship to you and it must still exist when they apply to come to the UK. Close family members include spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners, dependant children and grandchildren, and dependant parents and grandparents. 

Children born or adopted after 31 December 2020 will also have their rights protected.

When can I apply?

The EU Settlement Scheme will fully open by 30 March 2019. You will then have until 30 June 2021 to apply and your rights will remain unchanged until then, provided that you are resident in the UK by 31 December 2020.

How does the application process work?

You can access the application online using a computer, tablet or mobile phone. If you want, you can save your application and complete it later on. 

When you apply, you’ll need proof of:

  • your identity
  • your residence in the UK, unless you have a valid permanent residence document, or valid indefinite leave to remain in or enter the UK
  • your relationship to a family member from the EU living in the UK, if you’re from outside the EU
  • Proof of identity

When you apply, you’ll be able to either:

  • scan your identity document using a compatible Android mobile phone or tablet – you can use someone else’s phone or tablet to do this
  • send your document by post

Book an appointment with one of the three organisations listed below to have your ID verified:

Tower Hamlets Council Register Office

The Limehouse Project

East End Citizens Advice Bureau

Praxis

You’ll also need to upload a recent digital photo of your face conforming to the UK Passport Office requirements.

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Brexit. What UK citizens living abroad need to know

I am a UK citizen. What do I need to do to continue living in 2021 and beyond in Spain / France / Germany / Greece / Bulgaria / Ireland/ Netherlands / Cyprus / Poland / Belgium / Sweden / Denmark / Portugal?

Brexit and EU

Member States have prepared or adopted national contingency measures to ensure that UK nationals and their non-EU family members could remain legally resident in the immediate period after a no-deal withdrawal.

Spain

Spain will protect your residence rights through transitional measures that will be applicable for a 21 months grace period starting on the day of withdrawal with no agreement. You will need to have a residence document to prove these rights after the grade period.

a) If you already have a residence document issued under EU free movement law, this will be considered as your temporary residence permit until the end of the 21 months grace period. By this moment, you will have to apply for a new residence permit, according to the specific ad hoc regime approved. In this specific case, your registration certificate will automatically be replaced by a residence document for third country nationals at the policia nacional offices.

b) If you do not have a residence document issued under EU free movement law, you will have to apply for a residence permit. Applications are possible as from the day after of a no deal withdrawal with the Oficinas de Extranjería (Inmigration offices) For information on the application process, please visit this website:  https://www.lamoncloa.gob.es/brexit/Paginas/index.aspx and http://www.mitramiss.gob.es/es/brexit/index.htm

c) You will NOT receive a letter from the national administration informing on your situation. This letter will NOT be considered as your temporary residence permit. During this transitional period of 21 month starting the day after a no deal withdrawal you will have to apply for a new residence permit, according to the new specific rules that have been already published in the Spanish official diary. See:    https://www.boe.es/eli/es/rdl/2019/03/01/5/dof/spa/pdf  AND https://www.boe.es/boe/dias/2019/03/26/pdfs/BOE-A-2019-4356.pdf

Make your Spanish TIE card photo here.

France

France will protect your residence rights through transitional measures that will be applicable until one year from the date of withdrawal of the United Kingdom. You will need to have a residence document to prove these rights.

a) If you already have a residence document issued under EU free movement law, this will be considered as your temporary residence permit until one year from the date of withdrawal of the United Kingdom. Within six months from the date of withdrawal of the United Kingdom, you will have to apply for a new residence permit, according to the new specific rules that will be in place by that time.

b) If you do not have a residence document, you will have to apply for a residence permit. Applications are possible from the date of withdrawal of the United Kingdom and during six months. The possibility of doing these applications online is currently envisaged in order to facilitate the process. For information on the application process, please visit the website https://brexit.gouv.fr/sites/brexit/accueil/vous-etes-britannique/droit-au-sejour.html

Get a France ID card photo at visafoto.com.

Germany

Germany will protect your residence rights through transitional measures that will be applicable for nine months after Brexit date

a) During this transitional period, you will have to apply for a residence permit, according to the applicable immigration rules for residence of third country nationals that will be partially adapted to the specific situation.

Applications are possible during the transitional period with the relevant foreigners’ authorities in the federal states. For finding the responsible foreigners authority, please visit this website https://www.bamf.de/SiteGlobals/Functions/WebGIS/EN/WebGIS_Auslaenderbehoerde.html

Make a German residence permit photo here.

Greece

Greece will protect your residence rights through transitional measures that will be applicable until 31/12/2020. You will need to have a residence document to prove these rights.

a) If you already have a residence document issued under EU free movement law, this will be considered as your temporary residence permit until 31/12/2020. During this transitional period, you will have to apply for a new residence document, according to the applicable immigration rules for residence of third country nationals and new specific rules that are in place.

b) If you do not have a residence document, you will have to apply for a residence document. Applications are possible as from the withdrawal date (any change will officially be announced) with the competent police authorities handling issued of aliens of your home area. For information on the application process, please visit the website www.astynomia.gr.

Get your Greek ID photo at Visafoto.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria will protect your residence rights through a national procedure for re-registration. You are eligible to apply under the scheme if you are legally residing in Bulgaria on the date of Brexit.  

a) If you already have a residence document issued under EU free movement law, this will be considered as your temporary residence permit until 31 December 2020 or the date written on the document if it is before 31 December 2020. During this transitional period – After Brexit day – you will have to apply for a new residence permit, according to the new specific rules that will be in place on Brexit day.

b) If you do not have a residence document, you will have to apply for a residence permit. Applications are possible as from the day following the date of Brexit with the national Ministry of Interior. For information on the application process, please visit this websiteL https://www.mvr.bg/en/about-the-ministry/brexit/information-about-brexit

c) On filing your application you will receive a temporary permit valid for one month until the formal procedure is complete.  During this transitional period/After Brexit, you will have to apply for a new residence permit, according to the new rules.

Get a Bulgaria ID card photo online at visafoto.com.

Ireland

All UK nationals have a right under the Common Travel Area to live in Ireland.

You do not need to take any action to continue to live in Ireland after the Brexit date.

What will my rights be?   

Under the Common Travel Area (CTA), British citizens can move freely to, and reside in, Ireland and can enjoy associated rights and privileges including access to employment, healthcare, education, social benefits, and the right to vote in certain elections.

The Government of Ireland and the UK Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 8 May 2019‌, reaffirming their commitment to maintaining the CTA in all circumstances.

More details can be found here: https://www.dfa.ie/brexit/getting-ireland-brexit-ready/brexit-and-you/common-travel-area/

Make an Ireland passport and ID photo for the online application at Visafoto.

Netherlands

The Netherlands will protect your residence rights through transitional measures that will be applicable after a no deal Brexit during a transition period. During this transition period, UK nationals will keep their rights to reside, work and study in the Netherlands. This also applies if you are the relative of a UK national and are not an EU citizen yourself. Before the Brexit date, the IND will send you a temporary residence permit in the form of a letter. Many of you have already received this important document. The letter in combination with a valid passport will serve as proof of your residency rights during a no deal transition period. You do not need to take any action yourself to obtain this letter, other than to ensure you are correctly registered in the Personal Records Database (BRP) at your municipality: the letter will be sent to the address at which you are registered.  

During the transition period, you will be invited to apply for a new residence permit, according to the applicable legal residence rules for EU citizens.

Make a Netherlands ID photo at visafoto.com online.

Cyprus

Cyprus will protect your residence rights, and those of your family, through specific legislative measures that have been adopted and will apply in case of a “no-deal” Brexit (Law N121(I)/2019).  You will need to hold valid residence documents to prove these rights.

Step 1: Between now and 31/12/2020

a) If you already have a residence document issued under EU freedom of movement rules (MEU1, MEU2, MEU3), this will be considered as your temporary residence permit, valid until 31/12/2020.  After 31/12/2020, you will need to apply for the new type of residence permit, according to the provisions of national law N121(I)/2019 (see Step 2 below).

b) If you do not have a residence document as above, we recommend that you apply for one as soon as possible, under current EU rules.  Provided you will have been residing in Cyprus up until 31/10/2019, you will still be able to apply after this date, up until 31/12/2020; however, you are encouraged to do so as soon as possible.  You will receive a residence permit under EU law.  This will be considered as your temporary residence permit, valid until 31/12/2020.  After 31/12/2020, you will need to apply for the new type of residence permit, according to the provisions of national law N121(I)/2019 (see Step 2 below).

Applications by UK nationals legally residing in Cyprus prior to 31/10/2019 can be submitted at the Civil Registry and Migration Department, or the Local Immigration Offices.  For information on the application process, please visit the website www.moi.gov.cy/crmd.

Step 2: After 31/12/2020

c) As of 1/1/2021, you will need to apply for the new type of residence permit as set out in Law N121(I)/2019.

In applying for this document, if you hold a valid residence document issued under EU rules as per (a) or (b) above, you will only need to further submit a valid passport as proof of identity.

If you do not hold such documents as specified in (a) or (b) above, you will be required to submit documentary evidence of your residence in Cyprus prior to 31/10/2019.

Get your Cyprus ID card photo online at Visafoto.

Poland

Poland will protect your residence rights through transitional measures that will be applicable until 31/12/2020. Your stay in Poland will be considered legal ex lege from the withdrawal date until 31.12.2020 provided that you enjoyed the right of residence or the right of permanent residence in Poland under the Directive 2004/38/EC before the withdrawal date. However, it will be useful to have a residence document to prove these rights.

a) If you already have a residence document issued under EU free movement law, with an exception of certificate of registration, this will be considered as your temporary residence permit until 31/ 12/2020. These documents may remain valid after the date until 30.09.2021 at the latest only on Polish territory for evidence purposes. During this transitional period, you will have to apply for a new residence permit, according to the  new specific rules that will be in place by that time. A stamp imprint annotated “BREXIT” made in the travel document, confirming submission of an application for a dedicated temporary or permanent residence permit along with a separate certificate with a one year validity period will be considered as your temporary residence permit until the final decision on the application.

If you were granted permanent residence permit (with unlimited validity) before the accession of the Republic of Poland to the European Union you will retain this right. You will not need to apply for residence permit. Application for renewal of the residence card (issued for 10 years) may only be needed.

b) If you do not have a residence document, you will have to apply for a residence permit. Applications are possible as from day of Brexit with the voivode competent with respect of the place of stay in Poland. A stamp imprint annotated “BREXIT” made in the travel document, confirming submission of an application for a dedicated temporary or permanent residence permit along with a separate certificate with a one year validity period will be considered as your temporary residence permit until the final decision on the application.

For information on the application process, please visit this website https://udsc.gov.pl/en/cudzoziemcy/brexit/materials-to-download

Make a Polish ID card photo for online application at Visafoto.com.

Belgium

Belgium will protect your residence rights through transitional measures that will be applicable until 31 December 2020. You will need to have a residence document to prove these rights.

a) If you already have a residence document issued under EU free movement law, this will be considered as your temporary residence permit until 31 December 2020. After 31 December 2020, you will have to apply for a new residence permit. A decision has not yet been taken whether you will have to apply for a new residence permit, according to the applicable immigration rules for residence of third country nationals or according to new specific rules that will be in place by that time.

b) If you do not have a residence document, you will have to apply for a residence permit. Applications are possible as from the Brexit date. For information on the application process, please visit this website http://dofi.ibz.be.

c) You will be kept informed by the Immigration Office on your situation.

Get your Belgium electronic ID card photo here.

Sweden

Sweden will protect your residence rights through transitional measures that will be applicable from the date of the withdrawal and for one year after the withdrawal. During this transitional period, you will have to apply for a residence permit or a long-term residence status, according to the Swedish Alien Act. You can already now apply for a residence permit at the Swedish Migration Agency (Migrationsverket). For information on the application process, please visit this website www.migrationsverket.se

Make a Sweden ID card photo online at visafoto.com.

Denmark

Denmark will protect your residence rights through transitional measures that will be applicable until replaced by a permanent solution.

a) If you already have a residence document issued under EU free movement law, this will be considered as your temporary residence permit until otherwise is decided.

b) If you do not have a residence document, you are encouraged to submit an application for such documentation before the withdrawal date in order to be able to prove your rights. For information on the application process, please visit this website https://www.nyidanmark.dk/en-GB/You-want-to-apply/Residence-as-a-Nordic-citizen-or-EU-or-EEA-citizen

Make a Denmark ID card photo at visafoto.com online.

Portugal

Portugal will protect your residence rights through transitional measures that will be applicable until 31/12/2020. Your residence document is needed to prove these rights. Otherwise, a requirement procedure will be open to prove your residence.

a) If you already have a residence document issued under EU free movement law, this will be considered as your temporary residence permit until 31/12/2020. During this transitional period.

b) If you do not have a residence document, you will have to apply for a residence permit. Applications are possible as from withdrawal date with the local authority. For information on the application process, please visit this website www.sef.pt

Get your Portugal ID card photo at visafoto.com online.