Brexit
The UK is due to leave the European Union as a result of the outcome of the 2016 EU membership referendum. This could mark a very significant change for European nationals living in the UK and the UK economy.
While the details of the "deal or no deal" Brexit are still evolving, advice and support can be obtained from a variety of sources which are outlined below.
People
Support for EU Nationals
EU Settlement Service
If you're a European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) or Swiss citizen, you and your family can apply for either settled or pre-settled status. This will mean you can continue living in the UK after 31 December 2020. You have until 30 June 2021 to apply.
We are one of the local authorities supporting EU, EEA and Swiss citizens to complete the ID verification part of the process.
Who can apply
Information on who is required to apply for pre-settled or settled status can be found on the EU settlement scheme on
GOV.UK
.
There will be no change to current rights under EU law until the end of the planned implementation period on 31 December 2020.
Identity verification
If you have an Android phone or tablet you will be able to use the 'EU Exit: ID Document Check' app for Android to scan your document if you have one of the following:
- Valid EU, EEA or Swiss passport or ID card, if its biometric
- UK-issued biometric residence card
If your device doesn't have the necessary scanning capabilities, you can make an appointment to us the EU Settlement Service. Please bring your ID document with you to be scanned and verified. You can then apply for pre-settled or settled status.
We won't need to keep your ID document and in most cases, you should not be asked to send your passport anywhere else during your application for pre-settled or settled status.
The EU Settlement Service operates strictly by appointment only. To book, please contact us on 030 33 33 3000.
What to bring to your appointment
- Your current valid biometric EU, EEA or Swiss passport or a valid Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) for family members of an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen
- A mobile phone that can receive text messages or a device that can receive email.
Only the ID documents listed above can be checked by us, if you do not have one of these ID documents then please check your options on GOV.UK
There is no fee for this service for residents of Dumfries and Galloway or persons under the age of 16 years. There is a charge of £14 per person, over the age of 16 years, who are not resident in Dumfries and Galloway to use this service.
Business
The Council is concerned about the potential impact the ongoing uncertainty around Brexit may cause. We wish to encourage local businesses to sign up for various published updates and use the checklists to ensure businesses are as prepared as possible. This will ensure your business stays up to date with developments and will be able to connect with organisations that can provide the support your business needs and help identify any new opportunities that may arise.
Resources that will help prepare your business for Brexit
FindBusinessSupport.gov.scot is a service that has been established to help Scottish businesses find the public sector support they need.
The UK Government also has a checklist available. After answering seven simple questions, this provides you with all relevant updates for your business and sector. This site also offers an email sign up to all relevant UK Government updates as they happen.
Brexit business readiness - Top 10 Actions
