IMA survey to measure European citizens’ concerns after Brexit

The IMA monitors public bodies to make sure they are upholding the rights of citizens from the EU and EEA EFTA states (Norway, Lichtenstein and Iceland). It can also receive complaints and has powers to launch inquiries and take legal action.

The survey, launched as the IMA marks its first month in operation, asks about life after Brexit including awareness of the EU Settlement Scheme and confidence that public bodies will uphold rights and ensure equal treatment. It also tests initial awareness of the IMA to help us ensure EU citizens can access our services. The IMA will work closely with advocate organisations including the3million as well as with the Delegation of the European Union to the United Kingdom in order to promote the survey and ensure it reaches as many EU nationals as possible.

Dr Kathryn Chamberlain, IMA Interim CEO said:

“I want to hear from as many people as possible. Their responses, along with the complaints we receive, help us to build a bigger picture of the issues facing EU citizens. This enables us to identify where we need to work with public bodies to ensure they are upholding rights.”

“This survey is part of a range of intelligence-gathering exercises we are carrying out to protect citizens’ rights.”

Maike Bohn, Co-founder of the3million, said:

“We are receiving increasing reports that EU citizens and their families are having difficulty acquiring and proving the rights they are entitled to.

“As problems are escalating we welcome the timely establishment of this independent body as agreed in the Withdrawal Agreement. The IMA was set up to guard our rights and to hold the government to account and we look forward to seeing the results of this survey.”

The survey launches on the 1 February. It takes around 5-10 minutes to complete and does not request any personally identifiable information.