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I've been asked what makes UK migrants in the EU27 different from EU27 migrants in the UK, seeing that there was much vitriol in response to reports about one group struggling to obtain residency, and much understanding for the other. Seemingly, they are similar.
I've been asked what makes UK migrants in the EU27 different from EU27 migrants in the UK, seeing that there was much vitriol in response to reports about one group struggling to obtain residency, and much understanding for the other. Seemingly, they are similar.
2/
I'm afraid I gave a rather snotty answer (my apologies, @MsRaeRichardson), because I took the question as a provocation - the differences between the two groups seemed so obvious. But are they? And what are they?
I'm afraid I gave a rather snotty answer (my apologies, @MsRaeRichardson), because I took the question as a provocation - the differences between the two groups seemed so obvious. But are they? And what are they?
3/
We have to recognise that *every* migrant - UK in EU or EU in UK - has faced the same predicament. They moved themselves & their lives to another country legally, but are now required to ask for permission to stay. It is unsettling.
We have to recognise that *every* migrant - UK in EU or EU in UK - has faced the same predicament. They moved themselves & their lives to another country legally, but are now required to ask for permission to stay. It is unsettling.
4/
We can't ignore though, that this change was brought about by only one side, and only one side had a say in it. The EU27 and their citizens in the UK were not allowed to vote in the referendum.
We can't ignore though, that this change was brought about by only one side, and only one side had a say in it. The EU27 and their citizens in the UK were not allowed to vote in the referendum.
5/
Not all UK citizens in the EU27 were allowed to either. But many were, and of those, many endorsed Brexit, and still do. Quite often,Β these are the ones portrayed in newspaper reports, often blaming the EU for making their lives difficult.
Not all UK citizens in the EU27 were allowed to either. But many were, and of those, many endorsed Brexit, and still do. Quite often,Β these are the ones portrayed in newspaper reports, often blaming the EU for making their lives difficult.
6/
Surely, you see how this angers people who opposed Brexit or are caught up in it. It seems unfair, irrational and quite selfish.
Surely, you see how this angers people who opposed Brexit or are caught up in it. It seems unfair, irrational and quite selfish.
7/
But there's more: Overall, EU27 govts have tried to guide migrants through the new requirements w/ a view to helping them to stay. They receive physical proof of their status, which is important after all that uncertainty.Some countries have extended the application deadlines.
But there's more: Overall, EU27 govts have tried to guide migrants through the new requirements w/ a view to helping them to stay. They receive physical proof of their status, which is important after all that uncertainty.Some countries have extended the application deadlines.
8/
On the contrary, people's experience in the UK is often the opposite. There is no physical proof (and deliberately so), little official help, misleading advice, and no leniency. Govt refuses to extend the deadline in spite of a baglog of 300,000, & w/ 100,000 still to apply.
On the contrary, people's experience in the UK is often the opposite. There is no physical proof (and deliberately so), little official help, misleading advice, and no leniency. Govt refuses to extend the deadline in spite of a baglog of 300,000, & w/ 100,000 still to apply.
9/
The message is: We don't care about you. If you don't like it, you're welcome to leave.
The message is: We don't care about you. If you don't like it, you're welcome to leave.
10/
You see, I once was an Australian migration officer. I know first hand that, under the same law, your interpretation of it can make applications easier or harder - it is all a matter of guidance and intent.
You see, I once was an Australian migration officer. I know first hand that, under the same law, your interpretation of it can make applications easier or harder - it is all a matter of guidance and intent.
11/
How much evidence do you need for a defacto relationship? How much does it cost to apply for a visa? Which documents do you accept as proof of residence? You can tweak the system both ways: To welcome migrants, or deter them.
How much evidence do you need for a defacto relationship? How much does it cost to apply for a visa? Which documents do you accept as proof of residence? You can tweak the system both ways: To welcome migrants, or deter them.
12/END
So this is my answer when you ask about the difference between UK in EU27 & EU27 in UK. Individually, I feel for all of them. Yes, even if they voted for Brexit. Would you be able to admit it? If you believed the promises that nothing would change? Or blame everyone else?
So this is my answer when you ask about the difference between UK in EU27 & EU27 in UK. Individually, I feel for all of them. Yes, even if they voted for Brexit. Would you be able to admit it? If you believed the promises that nothing would change? Or blame everyone else?
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