Ok, so this is over-simplified but the responses show just how little folk in UK understand this issue.
1. Yes, the cousin can apply for Dutch citizenship but every EU country has their own rules and she may not be eligible yet.
Yes, she can apply for a visa like many of the non-EU citizens living in EU, but as it stands, there’s no clarity about what this will entail, what it will cost.
Even with a visa, she and her family can’t just move to another EU country as they are able to do at the moment. She’d have to apply for visa, working permits etc.
Some countries allow dual citizenship but some don’t so she may have to give up her UK citizenship. Which means if she ever wants to return to her home country, she’ll be treated as a foreigner.
She may be limited in how much time she can spend in UK (all this hasn’t been negotiated yet). So, for instance, if she has to travel regularly to see parents in UK.
And the most distressing thing for us Brits in EU — we still don’t have any confirmation what exactly will happen and we are at the mercy of the respective governments of the countries where we live.
The German government has been pretty proactive and has already written laws that will protect UK citizens *if* there is a deal. Unclear as yet what happens with a no-deal scenario.
But we are left in limbo. Do we take that new job, knowing it might be a total hassle to get a work permit in 3 months? Do we put our kids to school without certainty that they’ll be able to stay here?
Does our teen apply for university or an apprenticeship when it’s now unclear if the qualification will be recognised in UK? What happens if granny gets sick and I can’t travel over to see her?
Should we try to sell our house in UK or transfer savings / pension to EU (despite the horrendously low £ which knocks off 30% of our life savings)
All these questions and many more are being faced by Brits in EU (and EU citizens in UK). The uncertainly and the worry is affecting all of us, even those like me who are theoretically ‘safe’ as married to German and totally integrated.
And while we worry and try to make some kind of plan, the UK politicians are incapable of putting aside their differences, going beyond party tribalism and making a decision.
When the response from our fellow citizens, to a very valid point made by RCgothik, is ‘She’ll be fine!’, it’s infuriating and upsetting. At least do some research before making such sweeping statements.
Speak to Brits in EU. Or to EU citizens who are packing up and leaving UK because they can’t live any longer with the uncertainty. And stop belittling our fears with platitudes.
End of rant. Back to Christmas puppies.
(Epilogue)
Thanks to all who’ve responded to this thread. As I mentioned, I live in Germany, and we celebrate Christmas today. If I don’t respond to your comment, it’s because I’m cooking, baking and celebrating.
Frohe Weihnachten 🎄🎁
Thanks to all who’ve responded to this thread. As I mentioned, I live in Germany, and we celebrate Christmas today. If I don’t respond to your comment, it’s because I’m cooking, baking and celebrating.
Frohe Weihnachten 🎄🎁
