IMA calls for clarification from the Home Office
The Independent Monitoring Authority for the Citizens’ Rights Agreements (IMA) has written to the Home Office after receiving information that citizens who hold a valid Certificate of Application (CoA) are having issues at the UK border, including being denied entry to the UK or are subject to removal directions. This includes administrative review of applications pending.
EU and EEA EFTA citizens and their family members who submitted a valid application to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) but are awaiting the outcome of their application should receive a Certificate of Application (CoA) immediately.
While it does not confirm that the person has immigration status in the UK under the EUSS, it can be used to evidence the temporary protection of their rights, for example the right to work, rent or access benefits, while the decision on their application, or any administrative review or appeal, remains pending.
Home Office guidance on CoAs can be found here.
Following the reports of issues at the border for some citizens, the IMA has written to the Home Office to seek clarification of its position on the rights of citizens in receipt of a CoA when travelling, including where an administrative review is pending.
The IMA has also issued guidance to pre-settled and settled status holders around absences from the UK and how it may affect your EUSS status.
The IMA encourages any EU or EEA EFTA citizen or their family members who believe their rights are not being upheld to submit a complaint to its online portal.
For more information visit the IMA’s website for detailed information on the rights of EU and EEA EFTA citizens and their family members who have applied to the EUSS.