The3million campaigns for EU citizens' rights in the UK
SHARE:
The Prime Minister plans to tighten “every area of the immigration system” in a move that will affect millions across the UK.
The immigration measures include increasing the requirement to live in the UK from 5 to 10 years before applying for settlement and British citizenship.
Getting the British passport is crucial for individuals like Rafael. The Londoner is a Romanian citizen who’s been living in the UK for 7 years. He was hoping to apply for citizenship this year, but Keir Starmer’s announcements mean he now has to wait for at least 3 more years before applying.
“Hearing about the increase in the years of residence in the UK for citizenship broke my heart. I have been here for 7 years and although I had the opportunity to apply before through the EU settled status, I didn’t have the money needed,” says Rafael.
As a queer person, having the security to remain in the UK is especially important to him.
“I cannot go back to Romania. I am a queer immigrant in an interracial relationship. It would be impossible to have a life with my partner back in Romania where there are no legal protections for couples.” – Rafael
Seeing these types of stronger immigration policies left Rafael “disappointed but not surprised” as he says “it is clear [that Labour] are claiming to be the change but still try to appease centrists and the new Reform voters.”
Migrants must wait 10 years after moving to the UK instead of 5 to apply for settlement and citizenship
The Graduate Visa will be reduced from 2 years to 18 months
Higher English language requirements for adults joining their families (A1 – Beginner level standard) and for ‘Skilled Workers’ (B2 – A-Level standard)
‘Skilled Workers’ will require a university degree and face greater salary thresholds
More restrictions for lower-skilled workers to get a Visa, including a ban on recruiting care workers from overseas
Higher Immigration Skills Charge paid by employers sponsoring immigrants
Impact on EU citizens
There has been little guidance about the impact these changes will have on EU citizens already in the country. Asked in Parliament whether this policy will impact migrants currently in the UK, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said more clarification should come over the year.
According to The3million, an NGO helping EU citizens in the UK, although these changes could “sow more division”, due to existing laws, they should have limited impact on EU citizens who arrived pre-Brexit.
“We don’t believe the white paper announcement on extending the route to settlement to 10 years will affect EU citizens with pre-status under the EU Settlement Scheme. The UK cannot unilaterally change the rules set through the Withdrawal Agreement. We are seeking clarity on this, but we think it is highly unlikely,” says Andreea Dumitrache, CEO of The3Million.
The3million CEO Andreea Dumitrache thinks citizenship should be a personal choice
However, the NGO is concerned that the legislation could make the experience of migrants in the UK more difficult.
“We believe immigration changes announced today will only sow more division and erode people’s rights. (…) What we expect from the government is a plan for a fair, compassionate and just immigration system which protects migrants’ rights,” says Andreea.
For Andreea, there needs to be more clarity on the government’s immigration measures
More information about when and how these policies could come in place is expected over the coming months.
Submitted Article
Headline
Short Headline
Standfirst
Published Article
HeadlineNew citizenship requirements ‘broke my heart’, says Romanian Londoner
Short HeadlineIt 'broke my heart', says Romanian Londoner about to apply for citizenship
StandfirstNew immigration measures proposed by Keir Starmer are set to make it harder to get immigration status in the UK
The Prime Minister plans to tighten “every area of the immigration system” in a move that will affect millions across the UK.
The immigration measures include increasing the requirement to live in the UK from 5 to 10 years before applying for settlement and British citizenship.
Getting the British passport is crucial for individuals like Rafael. The Londoner is a Romanian citizen who’s been living in the UK for 7 years. He was hoping to apply for citizenship this year, but Keir Starmer’s announcements mean he now has to wait for at least 3 more years before applying.
“Hearing about the increase in the years of residence in the UK for citizenship broke my heart. I have been here for 7 years and although I had the opportunity to apply before through the EU settled status, I didn’t have the money needed,” says Rafael.
As a queer person, having the security to remain in the UK is especially important to him.
“I cannot go back to Romania. I am a queer immigrant in an interracial relationship. It would be impossible to have a life with my partner back in Romania where there are no legal protections for couples.” – Rafael
Seeing these types of stronger immigration policies left Rafael “disappointed but not surprised” as he says “it is clear [that Labour] are claiming to be the change but still try to appease centrists and the new Reform voters.”
Migrants must wait 10 years after moving to the UK instead of 5 to apply for settlement and citizenship
The Graduate Visa will be reduced from 2 years to 18 months
Higher English language requirements for adults joining their families (A1 – Beginner level standard) and for ‘Skilled Workers’ (B2 – A-Level standard)
‘Skilled Workers’ will require a university degree and face greater salary thresholds
More restrictions for lower-skilled workers to get a Visa, including a ban on recruiting care workers from overseas
Higher Immigration Skills Charge paid by employers sponsoring immigrants
Impact on EU citizens
There has been little guidance about the impact these changes will have on EU citizens already in the country. Asked in Parliament whether this policy will impact migrants currently in the UK, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said more clarification should come over the year.
According to The3million, an NGO helping EU citizens in the UK, although these changes could “sow more division”, due to existing laws, they should have limited impact on EU citizens who arrived pre-Brexit.
“We don’t believe the white paper announcement on extending the route to settlement to 10 years will affect EU citizens with pre-status under the EU Settlement Scheme. The UK cannot unilaterally change the rules set through the Withdrawal Agreement. We are seeking clarity on this, but we think it is highly unlikely,” says Andreea Dumitrache, CEO of The3Million.
The3million CEO Andreea Dumitrache thinks citizenship should be a personal choice
However, the NGO is concerned that the legislation could make the experience of migrants in the UK more difficult.
“We believe immigration changes announced today will only sow more division and erode people’s rights. (…) What we expect from the government is a plan for a fair, compassionate and just immigration system which protects migrants’ rights,” says Andreea.
For Andreea, there needs to be more clarity on the government’s immigration measures
More information about when and how these policies could come in place is expected over the coming months.
The first direct negotiations between Russian and Ukrainian officials since the breakdown of talks in 2022 have begun in Istanbul, as both sides revisit unresolved demands amid continued fighting on the ground
A devastating fire at Bicester Motion, a historic motoring and aviation centre located on a former RAF base in Oxfordshire, has claimed the lives of two firefighters and a member of the public.
