Lords to question minister over Government's settlement scheme for EU citizens
The House of Lords EU Justice Sub-Committee will question Immigration Minister Caroline Nokes MP on Tuesday 16 July on citizens' rights and the EU Settlement Scheme.
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can apply via the scheme to continue living in the UK post-Brexit. The Committee has been monitoring, and raising concerns about, the implementation of the scheme for a number of months as part of its consideration of citizens' rights after Brexit.
The Committee has heard that applicants and potential applicants are concerned that, if and when they are granted ‘settled status', they will not be given any physical document to prove their status. This has raised fears that people may be denied access to services or employment opportunities that they are legally entitled to. Given the online platform being used for applications, there are also concerns about whether some people will be unable to apply because they lack the necessary skills (or access to technology), and the Committee want to explore the extent of support available to those who need help.
Giving evidence at 1pm on Tuesday 16 July in Committee Room 3 will be:
- Rt Hon Caroline Nokes MP, Immigration Minister
Other likely areas of questioning include:
- The number of people whose applications are unsuccessful, and the reasons for their applications being rejected.
- The ability of people to appeal against a decision not to award ‘settled status'.
- Whether information being provided by applicants is being used in immigration enforcement.
- Whether, in a ‘no deal' Brexit, the Government would still be able to access the data it needs from the EU to make an informed decision about someone's eligibility for the scheme.
