Brit Expats In Europe Reassured Over Their Transition Period Status

British expats in Europe are being reassured their status will remain as it is, at least until the end of December 2020.

Effectively, the situation as it is now means there’s no change to any expat entitlements including free movement as their status is covered by former PM Theresa May’s negotiations. In addition, once the year’s transition period is over, expat rights should remain broadly as they are at present, with the exception of the free movement clause. Should another year’s extension be requested and granted, the same will apply.

The one-year transition period also gives Britons considering emigration to a European Union member state more time to make plans such as applying for a new job, arranging accommodation and selling or renting out their UK property. In the meantime, campaign groups are keeping up their pressure on the British government to take note and act on the many concerns of British citizens living, working or retiring in Europe.

British in Europe, one of the largest of several lobby groups working on behalf of UK expats, has already written to PM Boris Johnson urging him to prioritise safeguarding Britons’ rights in the post-Brexit period. The group is making it clear that any rights given to UK expats will depend on the treatment of EU expats resident in the UK.

The letter also pointed out the present situation bears no resemblance to the promises made during Vote Leave’s Brexit referendum manifesto, which contained pledges that nothing would change for Brits in EU countries nor for EU citizens in the UK. Also mentioned were the recognition of professional qualifications and cross-border working as in Gibraltar. British in Europe’s position is mirrored by that of the 3million campaign group working for the post-Brexit rights of EU citizens in the UK.