Brexit: demand for advice service soars ahead of EU settled status deadline

The deadline passed this week

Author: John CallanPublished 4th Jul 2021

More and more people have been asking for help from a special advice service for European Union citizens in Scotland - ahead of a deadline to apply for 'settled status'.

People from the EU, EEA or Switzerland had until Wednesday night to apply to stay in the UK, under Brexit regulations.

New figures from the EU Citizens Support Service, which is run by Citizens Advice Scotland show that more people were accessing its support last month than the previous two combined.

448 people sought out the the EUCSS in April, which went up to 545 in May and 1,075 in June.

The total numbers requiring immigration advice from Citizens Advice Scotland was 627 in April, 776 in May and 1,410 in June.

EUCSS manager Hamish Fraser said: "We knew the demand for advice would increase as the deadline for the settlement scheme grew closer, and were pleased to be able to help so many people get their applications in.

"Now the deadline has passed, we are still here to help.

"People can still apply for settled status.

"So the EUCSS remains open to help people make their application.

"Like all Citizens Advice services, the EUCSS is free, confidential and impartial.

"You can get our advice by calling us free on 0800 916 9847 or emailing EUSupport@cas.org.uk."

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