Umfrage unter EU-Bürgern in Großbritannien … noch bis zum 20. Dezember

Die University of Northumbria führt eine Umfrage unter EU-Ausländern durch.

Link here …

https://northumbria.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/settled-status-survey?fbclid=IwAR3s3GrtyKZ7cA_jdjPcIhxHTcX5evyPWXqi-R63K32srFDAIVGnxZvToKU

The person behind this project is Prof Tanja Bueltmann, who has been an outspoken critic of Brexit.  She is also very prolific on Twitter.

Brexit-Informationsabend mit der Deutschen Botschaft 10. Oktober und Bericht von einer ähnlichen Veranstaltung in Liverpool

JETZT BEI EVENTBRITE ANMELDEN

Bitte vormerken.
Am Mittwoch den 10. Oktober soll ein Informationsabend mit Hans-Günter Löffler stattfinden, dem Leiter der Abteilung Rechts- und Konsularwesen der Deutschen Botschaft in London. Es soll um Fragen rund um Brexit gehen. Eine ähnliche Veranstaltung fand bereits in Liverpool statt. Wir werden eine Anmeldung über Eventbrite einrichten.

Veranstaltungsort: Martin-Luther-Kirche in Stretford, Manchester

Bericht von einer ähnlichen Veranstaltung in Liverpool

Info-Abend Brexit am 14. Juni 2018

Inzwischen weiß wohl jeder, dass Großbritannien die Europäische Union (EU) im nächsten Jahr verlassen wird. Über fast alle weiteren Details ist aber, anderthalb Jahre nach der Entscheidung der Briten für den Brexit, immer noch wenig bekannt, weil die Rechtsgrundlagen noch nicht fixiert sind. Zur Situation von Deutschen und anderen EU-Bürgern in Großbritannien nach dem Brexit organisierte die Gemeinde auf Anregung von Herrn Hans-Günter Löffler von der Deutschen Botschaft in London eine Informationsveranstaltung. Gleich zu Anfang erklärte Herr Löffler, dass er zwar keine verbindliche juristische Beratung durchführen könne, sich jedoch bemühen werde, das legitime Informationsbedürfnis der Anwesenden gern durch Darstellung seines Verständnisses der Pläne des Home Office in deutscher Sprache zu befriedigen.

Am 14. Juni 2018 ist der Gemeindesaal bis auf den letzten Platz gefüllt und im Vorraum müssen zusätzliche Stühle aufgestellt werden. Viele, die gekommen sind, sind verunsichert, machen sich Sorgen über ihren Status nach dem 30. März 2019, einige sind deutlich verärgert. Wie soll man angesichts der jeden Tag deutlicher erkennbaren Uneinigkeit innerhalb der britischen Regierung über den Ausgang der langsam voranschreitenden Verhandlungen auch nur spekulieren? Gleichzeitig schüren die jüngsten Ereignisse des Windrush-Skandals Ängste vor plötzlich nicht mehr unmöglich erscheinenden Horror-Szenarien.

Herr Löffler erklärt hierzu zunächst, dass sich Grundzüge des zukünftigen Status von EU-Bürgern aufgrund der Ergebnisse der Vorverhandlungen durchaus auch heute schon erkennen lassen:

  • Die hier lebenden EU-Bürger müssen ab dem Austritt Großbritanniens aus der EU den sogenannten ‚settled status‘ beantragen. Dies soll ab dem 30. März 2019 möglich sein. Die Kosten sollen sich nach Auskunft des Home Office auf 65 Pfund belaufen, und der Antrag soll sich im Wesentlichen auf die Feststellung der Identität als EU-Bürger, das Erfordernis von mindestens 5 Jahren Ansässigkeit im Vereinigten Königreich und mögliche Sicherheitsrisiken beschränken und deshalb hoffentlich recht zügig über die Bühne gehen.
  • Es ist geplant, dass die Bewerbung um ‚settled status‘ grundsätzlich per Internet stattfinden soll, entweder per Smartphone-App durch ein Android-Gerät oder online am PC, eventuell mit Hilfe von Angestellten in den Stadtbibliotheken. Antragssteller, die eine Antragstellung per Post bevorzugen, müssen das Original ihres Personalausweises oder Reisepasses an das Home Office übersenden, welches diese Papiere so lange behält wie es notwendig erscheint.

Hierzu macht Herr Löffler klar, dass die EU in den Brexit-Verhandlungen mit dem britischen Home Office u. a. mehr Bürgernähe einfordert, also z. B., dass auch EU-Bürger im Rentenalter adäquate Unterstützung bei der Bewerbung auf den ‚settled status‘ bekommen.

  • Nach Eingang der Bewerbung wird anhand eines Abgleichs mit britischen Datenbanken (Steuerbehörde HMRC, Arbeitsbehörde  und National Police Computer) überprüft, ob sich ein lückenloser Aufenthalt in Großbritannien in den vergangenen 5 Jahren feststellen lässt, sowie, ob der Antragsteller Straftaten begangen hat. EU-Bürger, die einen weniger als fünfjährigen Aufenthalt nachweisen können, erhalten den ‚pre-settled status‘.
  • Der ‚settled status‘ entspricht einer unbegrenzten Aufenthaltsgenehmigung („indefinite leave to remain“), die zusätzlich einige Sonderrechte von EU-Bürgern weiterhin umfasst. Hier ist z. B. das Recht auf Familiennachzugs zu nennen, welches für EU-Bürger sogar großzügiger ist als für britische Staatsbürger.
  • Der ‚settled status‘ kann allerdings unter bestimmten Bedingungen verloren gehen, z. B. wenn man das Land für mehr als 5 Jahre verlässt.

Für EU-Bürger, die sich um britische Staatsangehörigkeit bewerben wollen, ändert sich durch den Brexit nichts am Bewerbungsprozess, wohl aber bezüglich der Aussicht auf eine doppelte deutsch-britische Staatsbürgerschaft.

  • Hierzu ist zunächst auch weiterhin eine Bewerbung um permanent residency (PR)’ erforderlich. Das ist ein umfangreicherer Prozess als die Bewerbung um ‚settled status‘.
  • Wer schon viele Jahre in England lebt, muss aber nicht unbedingt die letzten 5 Jahre als Grundlage für die Bewerbung benutzen, denn PR lässt sich auch zurückdatieren. Wem PR rückwirkend anerkannt wird, für den entfällt die ansonsten obligatorische 12 Monate Wartezeit zwischen Anerkennung des PR und der Möglichkeit, sich um britische Staatsangehörigkeit zu bewerben. Jedoch muss er während der relevanten 5 Jahre krankenversichert gewesen sein (Comprehensive Sickness Insurance).
  • Wer diese Voraussetzung nicht erfüllt, kann zunächst den ‚settled status‘ erwerben, der keine Krankenversicherung voraussetzt, und sich ein Jahr nach Gewährung des ‚settled status‘ um die britische Staatsangehörigkeit bemühen. Vor Beantragung der britischen Staatsangehörigkeit muss er aber nach gegenwärtiger Rechtslage, weil Großbritannien kein EU-Staat mehr sein wird, beim Bundesverwaltungsamt eine Genehmigung zur Beibehaltung der deutschen Staatsangehörigkeit beantragen und erhalten, sonst würde die deutsche Staatsangehörigkeit mit Erhalt der britischen automatisch erlöschen.
  • Sofern die Vereidigung als britischer Staatsbürger vor dem 29. März 2019 erfolgt, benötigt keine Genehmigung zur Beibehaltung der deutschen Staatsangehörigkeit.

Gut zweieinhalb Stunden erklärt Herr Löffler komplizierte juristische Zusammenhänge mit anschaulichen Beispielen, erzählt mit viel Humor, wie sich alle Seiten um bürgerfreundliche Verfahren bemühen und antwortet vor allem geduldig auf viele, teilweise sehr spezielle Fragen. Man kann davon ausgehen, dass viele nach dieser Veranstaltung besser informiert und hoffentlich weniger pessimistisch auf das Brexit-Datum blicken. Für die gelungene Veranstaltung erhielt Herr Löffler zum Dank langanhaltenden Applaus. Er hat zwei weitere Info-Termine in Manchester (10. Oktober 2018) und Liverpool (11. Oktober 2018) angekündigt, da bis dann hoffentlich weitere Informationen bekannt sein werden.

 

Johanna Burke, Dorothea Ross, Ivo Siekmann

 

WWW World Wide Wednesday 4. Juli in Liverpool

Eintrittskarten auf Eventbrite

Find out how the EU benefits you and protects your rights as we discuss #StopBrexit and #SharedEuropeanFuture. – The informal international #networking concept WWW WorldWide Wednesday meets at Avenue HQ in central Liverpool on Wednesday 4 July 2018 between 18h00 pm and 20h30 pm BST.

At 18h45 pm BST, invited speakers will give #WorldWideWednesday TED-style talks followed by Q&A on The Business of Europe: UK and EU working together.
Meet new faces, old friends and network over a relaxing evening drink: celebrate being part of a global city whilst unwinding after a busy day. – Free entry for everyone: cash bar available.
This Liverpool first brings people together who travel, work, study, live abroad – united in diversity. – We create opportunities for all as we build new bridges within and between communities.
Please join us on #Wednesday 4 July 2018 at Avenue HQ: take part in this Liverpool-launched new international network. – Help put #Liverpool at the heart of #Europe and beyond!
WorldWide Wednesday @WWWednesdayLPL takes place on the first Wednesday of every month. The chance for people from different backgrounds and nationalities to meet, learn from and share with each other in an informal, relaxing environment similar to Stammtisch-style or tertulia-type gatherings popular throughout the world.
People from across #Merseyside gather in central Liverpool at Avenue HQ’s first floor Lobby Bar – an enjoyable and hospitable social setting which is located next to Liverpool’s iconic Three Graces: one of the world’s most recognised skylines.
These majestic graceful buildings were conceived and constructed as visible symbols of Liverpool’s international prestige, proud emblems of our home-city’s global outlook as a world commercial centre. WorldWide Wednesday reflects the European and global traditions that underpin Liverpool and the wider Merseyside area.
Keep up-to-date in a fast changing world at our regular monthly events. Meet people who share your interest in current affairs, international relations, cross border trade, emerging economies, technological innovation, art, creativity and culture.
As participants and organisations taking part in these monthly WorldWide Wednesday gatherings, you can reach out to new friends, potential members and future supporters.
We look forward to welcoming you to Liverpool’s latest WWW WorldWide Wednesday #WorldWideWednesday evening event on Wednesday 4 July 2018 at Avenue HQ!
——-

Neuer Film: Postcards from the 48% mit Frage- & Antwort-Session in Home, Manchester am 7. Juli

Postcards from the 48%

CTBA Directed by David Wilkinson

A documentary film made by and featuring those who voted Remain in the 2016 British EU Referendum vote – the 48% – to show the other 27 EU Member States that it was far from a landslide victory and just why some are fighting to stay part of the EU. Partly shot in Manchester, this is a film of passion and conviction from director David Wilkinson, who also made The First Film about cinematic pioneer Louis le Prince.

Postcards from the 48% goes on general release from Fri 6 Jul.

Event details

We will be joined by director David Wilkinson for a Q&A following the screening on Sat 7 July at 17:50.

Unsettled Status? Which EU Citizens are at Risk of Failing to Secure their Rights after Brexit?

Bericht der Organisation The Migration Observatory mit wichtigen Informationen über die Teile der EU-Bürger in Großbritannien, die durch das Netz fallen könnten.

Zusammenfassung:

As the UK moves towards Brexit, the government is designing a system to give EU citizens who are already living in the UK ‘settled status.’ The EU-UK agreement that underpins this process is not final or legally binding, but its basic parameters are known and the government has set out the principles for implementing it. Government plans announced so far propose that the process will be mandatory, with a deadline for applying; that the application process will be streamlined and more ‘user-friendly’ than existing Home Office applications; and that the eligibility criteria will be simplified so that (almost) all EU citizens living in the UK at the point of Brexit will be eligible.

One challenge facing any large-scale government programme is coverage: how to enable everyone who is eligible to participate. For EU citizens to secure settled status, they will need to (1) know about the programme and the need to apply; (2) be able to navigate the system and make an application; and (3) be able to demonstrate that they have been living in the UK. Irish citizens will not need settled status to continue living in the UK, so are excluded where possible from the data in this report.

EU citizens living in the UK are on average a highly educated population that should not be expected to have problems understanding and navigating a simplified application process. However, securing settled status will be more difficult for certain groups of people, whether because they lack awareness of the process or the need to apply, are vulnerable for different reasons (such as abuse or exploitation), have difficulty navigating the application system, or cannot provide evidence of time spent in the UK. It is not possible to know exactly what share of EU citizens will fall into these categories but it is possible to analyse some of the characteristics associated with greater risk.

First, a potentially significant number of people may not be aware that they can and need to apply. In practice many different people could fall into this category, although specific groups include:

  • Children whose parents do not themselves apply, do not realise that children need to apply, or mistakenly believe that their UK-born children are automatically UK citizens. There are more than 900,000 children of non-Irish EU citizen parents living in the UK, born either here or abroad. This includes an estimated 239,000 UK-born children whose parents report that they are UK citizens, but available data suggest that tens of thousands of these children may not be.
  • Very long-term residents, such as the estimated 146,000 non-Irish EU citizens who arrived at least 30 years ago.
  • People who have already applied for permanent residence—at least 146,000 non-Irish EU citizens have been granted permanent residence since 2004 but are not yet UK citizens.
  • People who believe they are ineligible, such as people who have previously been rejected for permanent residence under the existing, more restrictive system (e.g. self-sufficient people without private health insurance), or people with minor criminal convictions or cautions.

Second, applications may be more difficult for people who are already vulnerable or have reduced autonomy for some reason. For example, victims of domestic abuse, particularly if they rely on a partner for evidence, could struggle to complete the process. EU citizens are less likely than British nationals to be victims of domestic abuse, although an estimated 50,000 EU citizen women reported experiencing some form of abuse (either once or repeatedly) in the year ending March 2017. Other vulnerable groups include victims of exploitation who have not been paid for their work, and people living in poverty or without stable housing. By their nature, such groups are difficult to quantify and the types and severity of the barriers they face will vary.

Third, some people will struggle to navigate an application due to difficulties accessing or using the application. This could be because of factors such as:

  • Language barriers. Data on language proficiency are imperfect but in 2015 around 250,000 non-Irish EU nationals reported language difficulties in keeping or finding work.
  • Age or disability, ranging from barriers to using an online system or identifying offline sources of help to problems associated with memory loss when sourcing evidence and identity documents. EU citizens are a relatively young population but an estimated 56,000 were age 75 or above in 2017.
  • Digital exclusion,that is, lack of computer literacy or online access required to navigate a primarily digital system. Internet use is high among EU citizens, but in early 2017 an estimated 2% or 64,000 non-Irish EU citizens nonetheless said that they had never used the internet.

Fourth, some people could have difficulty demonstrating that they have been living in the UK. The extent of this barrier to securing settled status is likely to depend heavily on policy decisions about what kinds of ‘non-official’ evidence are acceptable and how many different forms are required. The people with the greatest difficulty producing evidence will be those who lack evidence of both residence and economic activity. This could include:

  • People without bank accounts, who are conducting their daily lives in cash (whether they are working or non-working—such as retirees or people looking after family). An estimated 3.4% of people age 18 and over do not have bank accounts, equivalent to just over 90,000 non-Irish EU citizen adults.
  • Non-working partners, unpaid carers, people working cash in handand young people not in education, employment or trainingwho also lack proof of address in their name (for example because they were living rent free with parents or friends) may find it difficult to show that they have been living in the UK if their daily activities have not generated a paper trail.
  • People who have arrived shortly before the cut-off date for eligibility. People who arrive in the weeks and months preceding the cut-off date (currently expected to be December 2020) are more likely not to have bank accounts, leases, or potentially verifiable informal activity such as membership of clubs or contracts for services.
  • People without passports or national identity documents may have difficulty demonstrating their nationality. At the time of the 2011 Census, 100,000 or 5% of EU-born residents of England and Wales reported not holding a passport.

Simply having one of the characteristics identified in this report does not mean that a person will fail to secure settled status. People are likely to face greater difficulties if there is a combination of factors. For example, barriers to access due to language, disability or lack of digital literacy will be most relevant for people with complex cases because they lack evidence, or for those who are isolated and cannot easily rely on friends and family for help.

The individuals who are most likely to be excluded from the settled status process are those who are already vulnerable for other reasons. This includes victims of abuse and exploitation, and isolated people who are not participating in mainstream institutions such as banking and formal work or study. Many of these people are likely to need help completing the process, and their ability to do so will also be influenced by policy decisions such as what kinds of informal evidence can be accepted.

Finally, arguably the biggest challenge if the government aims for comprehensive take-up of settled status is awareness about the need to apply. There are some large groups of people who would not normally be classified as ‘vulnerable’ but who may not realise that they need to apply, from children to very long-term residents to people who already hold permanent residence documents. In addition, there will be people who simply forget or delay their application until after the deadline expires. These people’s inclusion in the process will be in part a function of how well accurate information is circulated. If a significant number of eligible people do not apply, enforcing a strict deadline would increase the illegally resident EU-national population in the UK. As a result, perhaps one of the most important unresolved policy questions affecting the completeness of the settled status process is what contingency plans will be in place for people who do not apply by the deadline.

Den ausführlichen Bericht können Sie hier lesen.

the3million – free guided tour of Manchester Samstag 5. Mai mit Schwerpunkt Immigration

This guided tour around Manchester city centre will focus on migration and science, religious tolerance and the Hidden Gem.
The walk will start at Victoria Station, under the tiled map at the far end, at 10.00, and we will finish around 12.30, near the Village.

Tour Guide: Mr Steve Roman

https://www.facebook.com/events/151962255476300/

Informal international networking 7.3. – Liverpool

WWW WorldWide Wednesday is a new international network and monthly gathering.  Launched in Liverpool on 6 September 2017, WWW brings people together who travel, work, study, live abroad – united in diversity.  #WorldWideWednesday aims to create opportunities for all as we build new bridges within and between our communities.

Our regular WWW monthly events enable people from different backgrounds and nationalities to meet, learn from and share with each other in an informal, relaxing environment. …

Wed 7 March 2018

17:30 – 20:30 GMT

Avenue HQ
17 Mann Island
Liverpool
L3 1BP

Anmeldung auf Eventbrite

Legal Advice Forum Manchester 5.3. 18.30 Uhr

Anmeldung auf Eventbrite

 

Description

Are you an EU/EEA national living in the UK? Worried about your rights and options post-Brexit?

Although the legal status of EU/EEA nationals in the UK will not change until the UK concludes its exit from the European Union, the government has so far refused to guarantee our rights.

Can we take any steps now to safeguard our futures? Join us for an evening of advice about Permanent Residency, Settled Status, Citizenship and how they may apply to you.

Agenda:

6:30PM – Doors, Introduction by Maurizio Rodorigo, INCA UK

6:40PM – Presentation by Victoria Sharkey, Immigration Lawyer

7:00PM – Q&A

Speakers:

Victoria Sharkey

Victoria Sharkey

Level 3 OISC immigration adviser. Victoria has practised immigration law since 1998. Initially with a London based private immigration firm, where she specialised in work permit applications for IT professionals.

She subsequently spent 18 months in India working with several multinational IT firms, moving project workers and their families to the UK, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands.

What topics will be covered?

What is the proposed “Settled Status” and the permanent residency (PR) document? What paperwork will I need? What will they cost?

What if I was a student / unemployed / out of the country / on maternity leave during my time in the UK? Can I still apply?

Am I eligible for citizenship / naturalisation?

Is this a free event?

There is small charge to attend the event. The charge covers part of the organisation of the event. If you are not able to afford the fee, please contact us. A ticket will be allocated to you.

I’m not an EU/EEA national. Can I still come?

Yes, we are happy for British nationals with good intention of supporting their EU friends to come and attend the evening!

Can I bring my own questions?

Yes, there will be a Q&A session after the talk.

Can I come and complain about how terrible Brexit is?

THIS EVENT WILL NOT BE A POLITICAL FORUM. As upset as we EU/EEA nationals may be by the result of the referendum, this evening is designed to offer legal advice.

Öffentliche Debatte zum Thema „Brexit und Auswirkungen auf den sozialen Zusammenhalt“ 31.1.2018 in Manchester

#WeStandTogether ist eine nationale Kampagne, in Manchester unterstützt von der Manchester Evening News und der Tim Parry and Jonathan Ball Peace Foundation.

An dieser Veranstaltung nimmt auch der Manchester Stammtisch teil.

Wed 31 January 2018 18:00 – 19:30 GMT

Room 1,218 * First floor, University Place * University of Manchester * Manchester * M13 9PL

Tickets bei Eventbrite

The Brexit Debate and its impact on community cohesion

Brought to you by #WeStandTogether, hosted by The University of Manchester

An opportunity to take part in a dialogue about the repercussions of the referendum vote to leave the European Union.

The discussion will allow those attending to air their concerns, thoughts and opinions and, in particular, look at how community cohesion has already been affected, even though the implementation of the decision is still over 17 months away.

Legal Advice Forum – Brexit and Immigration – Liverpool 25.1.

Tickets on Eventbrite
25th January, Quaker Meeting House, Liverpool

Are you an EU/EEA national living in the UK? Worried about your rights and options post-Brexit?

Although the legal status of EU/EEA nationals in the UK will not change until the UK concludes its exit from the European Union, the government has so far refused to guarantee our rights.

Can we take any steps now to safeguard our futures? Join us for an evening of advice about Permanent Residency, Settled Status, Citizenship and how they may apply to you.

Agenda:
6:20PM – Doors
6:30PM – Introductions, presentation by Michael Hanley and Muhunthan Paramesvaran, Q&A

Speakers:
Michal Hanley
Michael graduated from Cambridge University in law and was admitted as a solicitor in 1985. He has been a partner at Wilsons Solicitors LLP since 1990 and senior partner since 2001. ….

Muhunthan Paramesvaran
Muhunthan … qualified as a solicitor at Wilson Solicitors LLP in 2003. He was made a partner in 2010. Muhunthan has a thriving private client base and deploys his thorough understanding of the immigration rules and regulations…

What topics will be covered?
What is the proposed „Settled Status“? What is a permanent residency (PR) document?
What paperwork will I need for a PR and Settled Status? What will it cost?
What if I was a student / unemployed / out of the country / on maternity leave during my time in the UK? Can I still apply?
Am I eligible for citizenship / naturalisation?

Is this a free event?
There is a £5 charge (excluding Eventbrite fees) to attend the event. The charge covers the organisation of the event only.

If you are not able to afford the fee, please contact us. A ticket will be allocated to you.

I’m not an EU/EEA national. Can I still come?
Yes, we are happy for British nationals with good intention of supporting their EU friends to come and attend the evening!

Can I bring my own questions?
Yes, there will be a Q&A session after the talk.

Can I come and complain about how terrible Brexit is?
THIS EVENT WILL NOT BE A POLITICAL FORUM. As upset as we EU/EEA nationals may be by the result of the referendum, this evening is designed to offer legal advice.