JUST over 4million EU citizens have applied to remain in the UK after Brexit brings an end to freedom of movement.
More than 2.1million saw their requests for settled status granted, while 1.6million won ‘pre-settled status’ and can ask to stay permanently once they have been here for five years.
But 16,600 applications have been refused, 34,600 were withdrawn or void and 42,400 deemed invalid.
EU citizens have until next June to apply. But immigration experts fear that some may not do so and will end up classed as ‘irregular migrants’.
Those at risk of ‘falling through the cracks’ include EU children in care, said the migration observatory at Oxford university.
Gaps in data make it hard to know how many EU citizens have not applied, it added.
The Home Office said it was working to ‘ensure all eligible children and families are supported with their applications’.
Immigration minister Kevin Foster called the scheme ‘hugely successful’.
Source@ Metro News
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