British Embassy In Paris Holds Live Facebook Brexit Discussions

Brexit questions on the British Embassy in Paris’s dedicated Facebook page came thick and fast last Monday from Britons less than happy about the recent negotiators’ agreement.

Many British expats in France are still confused about their status, with some worried the recent signed agreement may not be ratified and others describing it as ‘as clear as mud’. The British Embassy’s Facebook effort was an attempt to shed some light into the dark corners of the written text and clarify the present position on issues not in the agreement.

One question concerned whether the French government is intending to echo the proposed requirements for residency outlined by the UK in reference to EU citizens in Britain. The reply was that arrangements for both categories of expat are reciprocal, but France will need to either implement a residency application process or provide some form of legalised declaration. Communication on this point is as yet ongoing.

As regards the obligation to get a carte de sejour, it’s the right of British nationals to be able to do so, with some Britons opting to get one now as the process to be put in place by the French government isn’t clear at present. Those seeking French nationality are able to keep their British nationality. Another questioner asked whether the embassy would provide free translation services for those opting for French nationality, having first made it very clear he was unhappy about the embassy’s Brexit-related services.

Another point raised concerned the possibility of a fast-tracked format for French citizenship applications as there’s now a two-year waiting list. According to the embassy, there is nothing in place at present, but meetings are ongoing. Also, the embassy is urging its French counterparts to include British expats in the consultation phase concerning guaranteed rights, keeping it as low-key as is possible. The embassy added the confirmation of any process will be passed directly on to British nationals in France, adding that existing residents will be covered by reciprocal healthcare, as will those who arrive during the implementation period.