Support for local EU nationals at engagement sessions

Following Brexit, European Union citizens and their families will need to confirm their immigration status if they wish to continue their residency

Engagement and advice sessions are to take place across the borough to provide information for European nationals who wish to remain in the UK.

Following Brexit, European Union citizens and their families will need to confirm their immigration status if they wish to continue their residency.

EU citizens will have to apply to the Settlement Scheme by 30 June 2021 in order to be allowed to stay in the country.

Successful applications will be given settled or pre-settled status, depending on the length of time they have been a UK resident.

To help the process, the council has commissioned a specialist organisation Europia to host engagement events across local communities.

A team of staff will be on hand at each event to provide key information about the Settlement Scheme and answer any questions.

Councillor Janet Emsley, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said: “This excellent service is about ensuring EU citizens are helped and supported to remain living in the UK, should they wish to do so. Specialist advisors will be on hand to provide high quality information throughout the transition period for the many EU nationals living across our borough.”

Norman Beverley, head of advice services at Europia, said: “We are delighted to have been chosen by the council to help roll out the scheme across the borough of Rochdale. It’s important that European citizens in Rochdale are made aware of the scheme and take appropriate advice, as they may need to apply to ensure they keep their right to live and work in the UK past the Brexit transition period.”

The next engagement event run by Europia is:

Friday 20 March, 10am-4pm, at Action Together, 104 - 106 Drake Street, Rochdale OL16 1PQ.

Further information on the Settlement Scheme, including details of future engagement events, can be found at:

• europia.org.uk/rochdale