Introduction

Introduction

What we do

The Independent Monitoring Authority for the Citizens’ Rights Agreements (IMA) is an independent body that protects the rights of EU and EEA EFTA citizens and their family members living in the UK and Gibraltar are upheld following the departure of the UK from the EU.

Part 2 of the Withdrawal Agreement and Part 2 of the EEA and EFTA Separation Agreement (‘The Agreements’) protect the rights of UK, EU, EEA & EFTA citizens exercising certain free movement rights prior to the end of the transition period. They also protect the rights of certain family members of these citizens. The individuals whose rights are protected by The Agreements will be referred to as ‘qualifying persons’. The rights protected by the IMA will be referred to as ‘relevant rights’ and refer to any right created/arising under The Agreements or a corresponding right under domestic law so far as its effect has a bearing on The Agreements.

This guidance is published in accordance with paragraph 32 (1) of Schedule 2 of the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Act 2020 (‘EUWAA’)

The relevant rights we cover

The relevant rights that the IMA covers are set out in The Agreements.

Useful links

What we do Relevant rights

How we keep you updated

We communicate openly and transparently to continue to successfully monitor and promote the implementation and application of citizens’ rights and ensure people are aware of our work by publishing;

  1. Annual Reports and plans.
  2. Issues Log – this sets out current and past matters that we work on.
  3. Inquiry reports – this is a review by the IMA which seeks to determine whether the UK has failed to comply with the citizens’ rights agreements or has acted / is proposing to act in a way which prevents a citizen exercising their rights. It enables the IMA to identify any recommendations it considers appropriate to promote the implementation or application of The Agreements.
  4. Legislation Monitoring Reports– explain whether any legal changes are compatible with the Citizens’ Rights Agreements. They help citizens to better understand their rights and can highlight where things may have gone wrong to assist Public Authorities to avoid similar issues.
  5. IMA Annual Survey Reports – this sets out the key findings and assessments drawn from survey results.
  6. Legal proceedings and court interventions – this sets out our litigation activities and interventions in cases that has already been brought before a court by a third party.