Workshops would help, say honorary consuls

There are nearly 4,000 people from European countries, excluding the UK and Ireland, living in Guernsey. Following Brexit EU, EEA and Swiss citizens resident in the Bailiwick will need to apply under a settlement scheme in order to ensure their rights are recognised.

There are nearly 1,000 Latvians living in Guernsey. Honorary consul of Latvia in Guernsey, Lilita Kruze, said she was concerned that there had not been enough publicity around the settlement scheme.

‘Not many people are aware of it,’ she said, and added that she had met with the Guernsey Border Agency and been given posters. However, she said it was important people were able to ask questions.

‘There are so many questions coming in from people who are aware of it,’ she said. ‘But so many people do not know what it means for them. There needed to be more chance for people to find out more. I have suggested to Home Affairs that we need to have workshops.

‘I have been in touch with the European Commission and they are happy to provide someone for a workshop.’

She said the States would just need to cover expenses and provide a room.

There are around 250 people of German origin in Guernsey.

Honorary consul Chris Betley said he understood that local Germans were aware of the changes and Home Affairs was trying its best to let people know about the scheme.

‘I think from feedback I’ve had, the majority of people have done their own investigating and they are pretty aware of what is happening in the UK,’ he said.

‘Only last week did we find out what that would mean for Guernsey, but the good thing is that there is no great rush.’

He said having workshops in Guernsey could be beneficial to help people fully understand the changes coming in. The EU/EEA/Swiss Settlement Scheme will be operating from 30 March, with the Guernsey Border Agency accepting applications from 1 April.

n Applications will be open until 30 June 2021. For more information visit www.gov.gg/brexit.