Date Legislation considered: 14 November 2025
Date Legislation in force: Not yet in force
Relevant Withdrawal Agreement/EEA EFTA Separation Agreement Right(s): Article 12/13 – Residence Rights
What does the legislation do?
The Bill amends the Gibraltarian Status Act and the Immigration, Asylum and Refugee Act.
The Explanatory Memorandum states that the amendments to the Gibraltarian Status Act include amendments to the eligibility criteria for Gibraltarian status under section 5 of the Act . Section 9 is also amended in paragraph (f), where the qualifying residency period under that paragraph increases from 10 to 20 years where a person seeks registration on the basis of ministerial discretion.
Section 55N of the Immigration, Asylum and Refugee Act is amended to increase the period of qualifying activity for permanent residence under that section from 5 to 10 years. This amendment does not apply to a person who is within scope of the withdrawal agreement, the EEA EFTA separation agreement or the Swiss citizens’ rights agreement who can continue to obtain permanent residence after 5 years.
Comments
The IMA raises no issues of concern at this stage. However any citizen experiencing difficulties in exercising their rights are encouraged to report a complaint through the IMA Portal.
Further information about the IMA and guidance on how to report complaints can also be found on the website.