A nationwide vote of whether the United Kingdom
should remain in the European Union or withdraw from it will bring about
changes on how EU citizens shall continue to remain and work in the United
Kingdom.
The EU vote in the UK may contribute
massively to the beginning of the end of the European Union and the end of the
popular free movement rights currently enjoyed by EU citizens.
As we consider the impact this vote may
have on those already in the United Kingdom, 2.3 million EU nationals currently
living in the UK under the EU banner. There is also a need to consider the
effect that this vote will have to those living under those EU nationals, in
other words, non – EEA family members. Currently, those claiming to be family
members of an EEA national have a right to live in the UK so long as their EEA
national continues to qualify under the treaty rights.
As the Conservatives pushes to fulfill
their election manifesto and the vote is to take place end 2017, it is
difficult to predict what the future holds for both EEA nationals and their non
EEA nationals currently residing in the UK. It is likely that so many other
groups of people such as unmarried partners and other extended family members i.e.
siblings and other dependant relatives, uncles and aunts would be among those facing such difficulties to
justify their continued presence in the United Kingdom.
While the UK government and other
stakeholders work day and night to find a solution, in this uncertain climate,
EU nationals may wish to apply for a registration certificate for themselves
and a residence card for any non EEA family members, to confirm they have the
right to remain in the UK. Those EU nationals who have spent at least 5 years In
the UK can apply for a permanent residence card which is a pre-requisite to
apply for naturalization.
It is advisable for those who have spent at
least 5 years in the UK and their country of origin permits dual citizenship to
apply for naturalization as this is the only option to ensure that the outcome
of the referendum will have no impact on them. Alternatively, children born in
the UK or outside the UK can be registered to become British nationals although
the parents are not yet eligible to become British citizens
If you feel you or your family is likely to
be affected with the outcome of the EU referendum and would like to enquire
more regarding this then our team of legal advisors at Liberty Immigration
Services, is happy to assist. Please call us on 0116 431 5091 or on the mobile
number 07842484370 or email us on info@libertyimmigrationservices.co.uk
or check us on
www.libertyimmigrationservices.co.uk
