Call for help to raise awareness of EU Settlement Scheme

YOUR help is needed to spread the word locally about the UK Government’s EU Settlement Scheme.

Carmarthenshire Council is calling for county residents and businesses to help raise awareness of the scheme, which requires EU citizens to apply to secure their rights to continue living and working in the UK.

EU citizens should visit www.gov.uk/eusettledstatus to make a free online application or find out more information.

If there’s a no-deal Brexit, the application deadline will be December 31, 2020. If the UK leaves the European Union with a deal, the application deadline will be June 30, 2021.

Carmarthenshire Council will soon be providing an assisted digital service at its customer service centres for EU citizens who need help with their applications.

The Welsh Government has also set up a website at www.eusswales.com that includes information about the range of support available to EU citizens in Wales.

Cllr Emlyn Dole, Carmarthenshire Council Leader, said: “We have many citizens from EU countries who are living and working in Carmarthenshire, so it’s vital they’re made aware of this UK Government scheme.

“The council is doing all it can to raise awareness of the need for EU citizens to apply to secure their rights to be here, but we’d ask for residents and businesses for their help in spreading the word.

“If you know people from EU countries in Carmarthenshire, it would very helpful if you could mention the EU Settlement Scheme and refer them onto the websites that are available for applications, further information and support.”

Statistics show 790 applications in Carmarthenshire for the UK Government’s EU Settlement Scheme from August 28, 2018, to June 30, 2019.

Close to 13,800 applications were made throughout Wales during the same timeframe.

Cllr Dole said: “We value the contributions they make to our communities, cultural diversity and economy, so we’d encourage all our EU citizens to apply as soon as possible.

“As soon as the council’s assisted digital service is up and running, we’ll publicise locations where EU citizens can go for help with their applications, if needed.”