MP Richard Thomson welcomes EU Settlement Scheme support in north-east Scotland
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Gordon MP Richard Thomson has welcomed the arranging of more sessions offering free multilingual support with pre-settled and settled status applications for EU citizens.
The support, provided by the Citizens’ Rights Project - a group of third sector workers, researchers, legal experts and volunteers - provides information, advice and support for EU citizens in Scotland by connecting groups and organisations working within European communities.
Commenting, Richard Thomson MP said: “The EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) was created to continue residence rights of EU citizens after the UK exit from the EU.
"The deadline to apply to the scheme has passed on June 30 2021 and late applications are now approved only if applicants can show that they have ‘reasonable grounds’ why they should be accepted.
“Many thousands have applied since that date, but evidence suggests that thousands of people may still have not applied for settled status.
"This could be for a number of reasons: lack of information, lack of language and digital skills and additional vulnerabilities compounded by the limitations posed by the Covid-19 crisis.
"I’m therefore pleased to help highlight the advice clinics which have been arranged by the Citizens’ Rights Project.
“EU citizens who have come here to live and work and contribute to the local economy are a valued part of our community.
"Under Brexit, both EU and UK citizens lost rights and entitlements which many of us grew up with and took for granted, such as unrestricted travel and the right to work abroad.
"The loss of those rights has been one of the hardest aspects of a Brexit for which Scotland did not vote.
"Scotland’s people – of all nationalities – are poorer as a result and Scotland’s businesses are paying a heavy cost.”
Advice clinics have been arranged which will take place in Turning Point Scotland, 7 Holburn Street, Aberdeen, on the following dates:
- Saturday 14 May, 10am-3pm
- Saturday 18 June, 10am-3pm
- Saturday 16 July, 10am-3pm
To book an appointment you should e-mail: EUSSreferralsaberdeen@outlook.com.
