The Deadline For EU Citizens' Applications For Settled Status Is Closing In

The deadline for EU citizens' applications for settled status to enable them to live, work, receive benefits and study legally in the UK, is days away.  The period of grace, extended on the UK's exit from the European Union, ends on 30 June 2021, after which only "good reasons" will excuse the failure to apply. However, The Home Office is intending to be flexible and pragmatic and give applicants the benefit of the doubt.

Both the Home Office and The Office for National Statistics has found that there are indications that there are far more EU citizens in the UK than previous estimates suggested and by May 2021 The Home Office had received 5.6 million applications for settled status, considerably more than expected.  However, anecdotal information indicates that many EU citizens have left the UK and some economists suggest that this could have a significant impact on future growth in the UK as several sectors of the economy are reporting considerable difficulties