No deal plans for EU citizens

29 January 2019

Responding to the Government’s no deal arrangement for EU citizens, Dr Tim Bradshaw, Chief Executive of the Russell Group, said:

“The Government’s immigration announcement will only exacerbate higher education’s concern at the prospect of a No Deal Brexit, raising many more questions than it answers. What are the full eligibility criteria for EU nationals expected to apply for the new, three-year temporary leave to remain? What will the fees and application process look like? What about the many students, such as those studying medicine or embarking on a PhD, who will need more than three years to complete their studies?

“Rather than generating more uncertainty, Ministers should be seeking to reassure and welcome the EU migrants who contribute so much to our economy and society. Ultimately, EU citizens should not be used as a bargaining chip. Deal or no deal, Government should honour the Settlement Scheme as set out in June 2018. This document included a clear message to all those arriving before January 2021 that they would be eligible to apply for either pre-settled or settled status.”