Nearly half of Europeans in the UK are concerned about their rights

A study released on Thursday (May 13) found that nearly half of EU nationals living in the UK fear their rights will be eroded and that they will not be treated like British in the future.

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In principle, if EU citizens have lived in the country before December 31, 2020, they must register with the “EU Settlement Plan” before June 30, retaining the same rights to live, work and access Social Security in the UK after Brexit. While the majority of respondents see themselves as identical to UK citizens, almost one in two (44%) do not believe they will be treated equally in the future, according to a study by the Independent Monitoring Authority (IMA), an organization responsible for protecting their rights. The latter was conducted online with about 3,000 people from 27 countries.

The study reveals one “Lack of hope” In disclosed companies a “Significant Minorities” IMA Director-General Katherine Chamberlain told a news conference at the European Press Conference on Foreign Citizens (FPA). One of the two respondents did not do so “I heard about their rights as citizens”. Mutual recognition of professional qualifications in lesser known rights, of which only 48% are known.

One in ten plans to leave

One in 10 respondents (11%) plans to leave the UK after June 30, 2021. Among the possible reasons for departure, a “Lack of hope” In government, the UK has a sense a “Low reception space” Due to concerns that Brexit and their rights will not be guaranteed.

According to the 2019 National Bureau of Statistics (ONS), 3.6 million EU citizens live in the UK. However, by the end of March 2021, the Home Ministry had received 5.6 million registration requests.

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In its findings, the IMA believes it “Public officials have a key role to play in building trust with European citizens” And pay special attention to people “Vulnerable and marginalized”. The IMA invites those involved to report any issues, as one in 10 respondents will state that they will not file a complaint if their rights are violated.