Poland Pledges Post-Brexit Rights For British Expats

British expats living and working in Poland are to be issued with a residence card stamped Brexit.

As part of the Eastern European country’s plans for the post-Brexit protection of British expats’ rights, the Polish government is to introduce a special residency card including the printed word ‘Brexit’. Britons will need to apply for the card, which guarantees their right to remain and work in the country as well as protecting the rights of spouses and children of applicants. The card will be issued once the UK leaves the EU, whether it’s via a no-deal Brexit or by agreement with Brussels.

Some 6,000 British expats are at present living and working in Poland, all of whom are welcoming the news their rights will be protected. UK expats who’ve been resident in the country for fewer than five years will receive a renewable three-year temporary residence card, and all applicants will need to submit personal data, photographs and fingerprints. To date, there’s been no announcement about the cost of the card.

In anticipation of a rush, the Polish government is creating another 40 new jobs, estimated to cost some £6 million spread over the nest nine years. The Polish announcement came just four weeks after Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki met with Theresa May at Downing Street to discuss post-Brexit plans for Brit expats in Poland.