May 28, 2019 4.36 pm This story is over 57 months old

£9m to help EU citizens stay in the country

Charities across the region have been given a share of £9 million to help vulnerable people with their application

Nine charities working in the region have been given a share of £9 million to help vulnerable EU citizens with their applications to stay in the UK.

The funding is estimated to help more than 200,000 people across the country, who may be in need of extra help to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme.

Victims of human trafficking or domestic abuse, those with mental health conditions, the homeless or even the elderly are among those eligible for the extra help.

Anyone applying to the scheme need to prove their identity, show that they live in the UK and declare any criminal convictions before December 31 2020.

So far the Home Office has received more than 600,000 applications to the EU Settlement Scheme.

Immigration Minister Caroline Nokes said: “EU citizens are our friends, family and neighbours, and we want them to stay.

“We have made the EU Settlement Scheme free and simple to use but it’s vital that everyone receives the support they need to apply.

“I am very pleased that EU citizens living in the East Midlands will have easily accessible help and support in order to make their application.”