Senedd Committee Highlights Risks for EU Citizens in Wales

Thousands of EU citizens residing in Wales continue to face significant risks regarding their rights, despite having lived in the country for many years. The Senedd’s Equality and Social Justice Committee has issued a report warning of potential injustices comparable to the Windrush scandal, particularly highlighting that many individuals remain unaware that they need to apply to secure their status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS).

The report, titled Settled but not safe?, marks nearly five years of monitoring and evidence gathering since the Committee was established in June 2021, coinciding with the EUSS application deadline. It expresses deep concerns about the long-term implications of the scheme for vulnerable demographics, including older individuals, children in care, the Roma community, victims of abuse, and the homeless.

The EUSS is the UK Government’s mechanism through which EU citizens must apply to remain in the UK following Brexit. Over 131,000 applications have been submitted from Wales, resulting in more than 113,000 successful outcomes. Successful applicants now represent approximately 3.6% of the Welsh population. Yet, with new individuals coming forward annually, the exact number of those eligible to apply remains unknown.

Jenny Rathbone MS, Chair of the Senedd’s Equality and Social Justice Committee, emphasized the urgency of the situation. “It is alarming that, five years on from Brexit, EU citizens in Wales still face the risk of losing their rights,” she stated. “The consequences of not obtaining permission to stay are dire. As with the Windrush generation, individuals risk losing their rights to work, housing, benefits, and education, and some face deportation despite having lived here their entire lives.”

The report outlines four critical concerns associated with the EUSS.

Lack of Awareness and Understanding

A significant number of citizens, landlords, employers, and public services do not fully grasp the EUSS, which can lead to the mistaken denial of services to those who do have status. This lack of knowledge not only affects individuals but also complicates the support systems in place.

Complexity and Digital Barriers

The EUSS has been criticized for its complexity, particularly due to frequent changes and the requirement for digital-only processes that pose challenges for vulnerable groups. This is especially true for older adults, children in care, and individuals lacking digital literacy.

The report also draws parallels with the Windrush scandal, where proving residency and obtaining necessary documentation proved problematic. Similarly, the EUSS places the onus on individuals to provide proof of residency, a demand that can be particularly burdensome for those lacking adequate documentation.

Another significant issue identified is the insufficient data and transparency surrounding the EUSS. The UK Government’s failure to routinely share Wales-specific data with the Welsh Government hinders effective support and planning for those affected.

The Committee calls for improved cooperation between the UK and Welsh Governments, advocating for long-term funding for support services, enhanced data sharing, and continued oversight in the next Senedd.

As the situation evolves, the report underscores the necessity for a proactive approach to ensure that no EU citizen in Wales is left vulnerable or uninformed about their rights. The Committee hopes that future Welsh Governments will prioritize targeted support for those at risk of slipping through the cracks of the EUSS.