THE UK’s Ambassador to Spain has sought to reassure British expats that their rights to live and work in the country have been protected.
Speaking in a video message, Hugh Elliott said that while British citizens’ rights are safeguarded, it is important they registered as resident as soon as possible.
Speaking about the continuing negotiations on the future relationship between the UK and the EU, the Ambassador said: “I want to reassure you that your rights as UK nationals living in Spain are already protected under the Withdrawal Agreement between the UK and the EU. And that both the UK and Spanish Governments are fully committed to implementing the citizens’ rights provisions in the Agreement.”
He recognised that some expats face difficulties in getting an appointment to register.
However, he added that UK Nationals will still be protected by the Agreement, as long as they can prove they were legally living in Spain before the end of 2020.
The embassy’s advice is to make sure you have documentation (eg. padron certificate, rental agreement, utility bills) to demonstrate you were living here before the end of the year.
The embassy added that if people having trouble completing their residency application, the UK Government has provided funding to three organisations – Age in Spain, Babelia and IOM – to answer questions and provide practical support. For details of the help they can provide and how to contact them visit gov.uk/livinginspain.
The Embassy and Consulates are also running a series of Facebook Live Q&As on different topics related to living in Spain and the actions UK Nationals may need to take. All sessions take place on www.facebook.com/britsinspain and are available to watch afterwards. The current schedule is as follows, although please note that this is subject to change. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for further details:
October 6: 6pm Pensions, benefits, working and driving
October 13: 1pm Healthcare
October 27: 1pm Travel
November 10: 6pm Education – studying and teaching
November 24: 6pm Swallows
December 1: 6pm Residency
December 8: 6pm General Q&A
For further information for UK Nationals in Spain visit: gov.uk/livinginspain
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