Overview

This bill aims to grant indefinite leave to remain in the UK to all EEA nationals, their family members, and extended family members residing in the UK on the date the UK left the European Union. This would amend the Immigration Act 1971 to achieve this.

Description

The bill amends the Immigration Act 1971 to include EEA nationals and their families as those with a right of abode in the UK. Specifically:

• Section 1: Adds EEA nationals resident in the UK on the Brexit date, and their family members (as defined by the Immigration (European Economic Area) Regulations 2016), to those with a right of abode.
• Section 2: Defines "resident" for the purposes of Section 1. This includes those employed/self-employed and paying National Insurance, full-time students, those on the electoral register, those who retained a right of residency under previous regulations, and those meeting other criteria defined by the Secretary of State (subject to parliamentary approval).
• Section 3: Clarifies the definition of "family member" and "extended family member," aligning with the 2016 regulations.
• Section 4: Specifies that the Act applies to the whole of the UK, comes into force upon passage, and establishes its official title.

Government Spending

The bill's financial impact is not explicitly stated in the provided text. It is likely to involve administrative costs associated with processing applications and potentially some social support implications, but exact figures are not available.

Groups Affected

• EEA nationals: Granted indefinite leave to remain if resident in the UK on the Brexit date, potentially improving their security and access to services.
• Family members of EEA nationals: Also granted indefinite leave to remain under the same conditions as the EEA national they are associated with, ensuring family unity and stability.
• UK Government: Responsible for implementing the changes, including defining "resident" and processing applications, which may create administrative costs and potential impact on social welfare systems.

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