The UK Home Office has launched a new nationwide marketing campaign to encourage EU citizens to apply early for the EU Settlement Scheme.
The scheme, which officially launches on Saturday, enables EU citizens to protect the rights they currently have in the UK. The scheme, which has been designed in close consultation with EU citizens, employers and community groups, is free and simple to use via a new online application process.
The new campaign will be visible at around 6,000 sites across the UK including in every major city. Outdoor advertising at key locations this week will be followed by eye-catching adverts on catch-up TV, radio, social media and online once the scheme is fully up and running
“It is my priority to make sure that EU citizens, who have built their lives here and who have contributed so much to our society, continue to feel welcome in the UK,” said UK Immigration Minister Caroline Nokes.
“That is why I am launching this UK wide campaign, which will include billboards and radio advertising, so that everyone who is eligible knows how to apply and gets the status they need. I want EU citizens to stay and to continue to call the UK their home and I would encourage all EU citizens to apply once the scheme goes live.”
Whether the UK leaves the EU with a Deal or no deal, EU citizens will have until at least 31st December 2020 to apply.
The application process has been thoroughly tested since August 2018 and to date nearly 200,000 people have received status under the scheme.
To ensure the scheme is a success, the Home Office has boosted EU Settlement Scheme staff numbers to over 1,500, developed an entirely new case working system and created a new resolution centre to resolve telephone, email and online queries.
The initial campaign which has been allocated around £3.75 million will run for around a month, with further activity planned over the next two years to ensure EU citizens understand what they need to do.
The Home Office has also committed up to £9 million of funding to supporting voluntary and community sector organisations who can assist EU citizens who are vulnerable or at risk in making their application.
Article published 26th March 2019