10,000 EU nationals opt to stay in Fife after Brexit

Home Office figures reveal that by the end of September 2020, 10,640 people successfully applied to continue living in the area after December 31.

Of those applications dealt with between August 2018 and September 30 2020, 6,350 granted applicants settled status and 4,290 pre-settled status.

Around 250 applications were either refused, withdrawn, or invalid.

The highest number of applications was submitted by residents from Poland (4,130), followed by people from Romania (1,780) and Bulgaria (860).

There were also around 300 applications from people who are not from the European Economic Area, but qualify for the scheme. Those qualifying include family members of EU citizens living in the UK.

Sunder Katwala, director of British Future, said new rules requiring immigrants to meet a £25,400 salary threshold may pose issues for some sectors.

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He said: "Despite the additional bureaucratic processes and visa fees, EU migration will continue for graduate professionals in areas like law, science and academia.

"The Government has committed to allowing the NHS to recruit the staff it needs – but has not done the same for social care.”

Those who have lived in the UK for five years and meet the criteria, can receive settled status and remain in the country indefinitely.

The rules state that those who have lived in the country for less time can receive pre-settled status, which allows them to remain for a further five years. They can later apply for settled status.

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