New Practice Direction for Northern Ireland on claims relating to citizens’ rights under the Withdrawal Agreement for the IMA
The Independent Monitoring Authority for the Citizens’ Rights Agreements (IMA) has secured a new Practice Direction in Northern Ireland which will come into force on 14 September 2026.
The IMA protects the rights of EU and EEA EFTA citizens and their family members in the UK and Gibraltar through monitoring and promoting the implementation and application of the citizens’ rights contained within Part 2 of the Withdrawal and Separation Agreements.
Once implemented, the new Practice Direction will mean that when a party raises an issue relating to citizens’ rights before the High Court or in the County Court of Northern Ireland, that party must notify the IMA as soon as is reasonably practicable by providing a copy of the relevant documents in which the issue is raised.
This may include issues which relate to:
• residence rights;
• the right to work;
• social security and benefits;
• professional qualifications; and
• non-discrimination and equal treatment.
This new Practice Direction complements the Practice Direction that the IMA obtained for courts in England and Wales, also applicable in Gibraltar, and the Practice Note in Scotland.
The notification requirements across the UK, Northern Ireland and Gibraltar will enable the IMA to take decisions on where it may assist the courts or tribunals in interpreting the Agreements; it will also highlight areas where citizens are potentially facing problems in enjoying their rights.
To notify the IMA about such cases, parties can email [email protected], or write to the IMA, 3rd Floor, Civic Offices, Oystermouth Road, Swansea, SA1 3SN.