IMA statement regarding media reports about rights protected by the Agreements
The Independent Monitoring Authority for the Citizens’ Rights Agreements (IMA) is aware of recent media coverage concerning access to services, support and entitlements for EU citizens and their family members living in the UK and Gibraltar.
It is important to recognise that EU nationals who made the UK their home before Brexit have rights guaranteed to them under the Withdrawal Agreements. These legal rights were established to ensure these people and their families can continue to live, work, study and access services in accordance with the agreements made by the UK Government where they are eligible.
These Agreements protect a range of rights for eligible citizens and their family members, including rights relating to residence, work, study, equal treatment and access to services in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Agreements and domestic legislation implementing them.
The rights protected by the Agreements are reciprocal. Eligible UK nationals and their family members living in EU Member States also benefit from protections under the Agreements.
The IMA’s role is to monitor and promote the implementation and application of the citizens’ rights parts of these Agreements in the UK and Gibraltar.
We understand that discussions relating to immigration status and access to public services can create uncertainty for citizens. The rights of eligible citizens under the Agreements have not changed and continue to be protected by law.
We continue to monitor developments that may affect the rights covered by the Agreements and will engage with relevant authorities where appropriate. Citizens who are concerned that their rights have been affected can report their concerns to the IMA through our complaints process.