EU citizens in Birmingham attended pop-up events hosted at the Carrs Lane Centre and St Barnabas Church Centre on Tuesday 29th October. Home Office caseworkers were on hand to help with applications and answer questions, along with local community organisations.

The EU Settlement Scheme guarantees the rights of EU citizens in law. It is free, straightforward and applicants only need to complete three key steps – prove their identity, show that they live in the UK, and declare any criminal convictions.

Home Office Minister of State for Security and Deputy for EU Exit and No Deal Preparation Brandon Lewis said: “EU citizens in Birmingham are our friends, families and neighbours and have made a huge contribution to the local community. These events across the UK will help raise awareness of the EU Settlement Scheme and explain to EU citizens how they can guarantee their rights in law.

“EU citizens have until at least December 2020 to apply and there’s plenty of support available to do so.”

The events taking place in Aberdeen, Glasgow, Leeds, Nottingham, Birmingham and London will target hundreds of EU citizens who might not be aware of the Scheme or might need help applying.

There is a wide range of support available, including by phone, email and in person. For example, the Home Office has provided up to £9 million funding to 57 organisations across the UK to help vulnerable EU citizens to apply.

Project Coordinator at Brushstrokes Community Project Sija Dube said: “We’re pleased to be working with the Home Office to support EU Citizens in Birmingham with their applications to the EU Settlement Scheme.

“We offer a variety of support services, which include home visits, face to face support, community workshops and outreach. We also hold EU Settlement Scheme drop-ins from Tuesday-Friday each week between 09:00-17:00.”