TIGA has weclomed the Home Office’s announcement of the new process for EU citizens to apply for settled status in the UK.
The application process has been streamlined, so that applicants will only need to complete three steps for their application to be approved: proving their identity, show that that they live in the UK, and declaring that they have no serious criminal convictions.
Immigration Minister Caroline Nokes said: ‘EU citizens make a huge contribution to our economy and to our society. They are our friends, family and colleagues and we want them to stay.’
The application will cost £65 for adults and £332.50 for a child under sixteen. Those who already have permanent residence or indefinite leave to remain documentation will be able to exchange their status to settled for free.
Those who have not yet lived in the UK for five years will be granted pre-settled status and be able to apply for settled status once they reach the five-year point. From April 2019, this second application will be free of charge.
The settlement scheme will start receiving applications later this year, and will be fully open by 30 March 2019. The deadline for applications will be 30 June 2021.
Dr Richard Wilson OBE, Chief Executive of TIGA, said:
“This announcement will provide reassurance to EU citizens residing in the UK.
‘EU citizens contribute greatly to our economy. The UK video games industry relies upon a talented and diverse workforce, 15 per cent of whom hail from the EU.
‘I am pleased that European colleagues in the UK games sector will have a clear and simple process for securing settled status. I hope this translates to the real-world experience.
‘Whilst a huge step forwards, the whole industry awaits the Government’s proposals for how European citizens will secure working visas after the UK has left the EU so that we remain a world-leader in video games.”