As a result of the UK’s decision to leave the EU, Jersey-resident EU citizens have to apply for settled status as the Island, as a Crown Dependency, is subject to UK immigration laws.
Those with British or Irish nationality do not need to apply. This includes those who hold dual nationality.
The UK reached a deal with the EU to allow EU citizens to remain in the UK after Brexit under the EU Settlement Scheme.
Jersey’s government is operating its own version of the scheme, and people have until December next year to become part of it.
There are around 20,000 people living in the Island who need to apply, with 7,000 having already signed up, figures show.
Malcolm Ferey, chief executive of Citizens Advice Jersey, has urged people to apply as early as possible to prevent a ‘mad rush’ before the deadline next year.
He said: ‘A number of people who come to us for advice are from the Polish and Portuguese community. These are people who will need to sign up to the EU Settlement Scheme, and of the 20,000 around 7,000 have done it so far.
‘It doesn’t need to be done until December 2020 but like everything people will remember late and there will be a mad rush to get it all sorted. So what I would say is get in early and do it as soon as possible so it is done.
‘It is easy to do online you just need a few details and documents like your passport.’
For more information, visit gov.je and search for EU Settlement Scheme.
