Will EU nationals in the UK be subject to the ‘hostile environment’ after Brexit?

Analysis: The government has made little attempt to remedy the measures which proved so detrimental to Windrush nationals – May Bulman explores whether EU citizens risk falling into the same trap

Awareness of the need to apply for settled status post-Brexit remains patchy (PA)

Brexit will of course bring about all manner of changes in the UK. But few people will feel the impact more sharply than the 3.5 million EU nationals who have built their lives in this country – and who are now having to take steps to secure their right to be here.

The government has pledged that all EEA citizens (ie those from the EU plus Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein), their family members and dependents living in the UK on or before 29 March can remain in the country with no loss of their rights.

The EU Settled Status Scheme, which opened fully last month, is designed to facilitate this, providing – in the words of Sajid Javid – a “simple, streamlined process for residents and EU citizens and their family members to obtain their new UK immigration status”.