The Impact of Brexit on British Citizenship: What's Changed?
The United Kingdom's decision to leave the European Union, commonly known as Brexit, has had far-reaching consequences on various aspects of British life. Among these, the status of British citizenship has seen significant changes. In this article, we will explore how Brexit has impacted British citizenship and the essential alterations that have taken place.
End of Freedom of Movement
One of the most profound changes resulting from Brexit is the end of freedom of movement between the UK and the EU. Previously, EU citizens had the right to live and work in any EU member state, including the UK, without needing a visa or work permit. This also allowed British citizens to live and work in EU countries relatively quickly. However, with Brexit, the UK has abandoned this system, which has implications for British citizens seeking to work, study, or retire in the EU.
British citizens now face the same immigration restrictions as citizens of non-EU countries when moving to EU member states. This means they may need to obtain visas work permits, and meet other requirements, depending on the specific country's rules. The ease of travel and residence in the EU has significantly diminished for British citizens.
Changes in the Acquisition of Citizenship
Another noteworthy change is the impact on individuals seeking to acquire British citizenship. Before Brexit, EU citizens could reside in the UK for five years, after which they could apply for permanent residence and, eventually, British citizenship. Post-Brexit, EU citizens must follow a more intricate procedure, which includes applying for a new status known as "settled" or "pre-settled" status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
To be eligible for settled status, EU citizens must demonstrate they have lived in the UK for at least five years. Those with less than five years of residence can obtain pre-settled status, which can be upgraded to settled status once the five-year threshold is reached. This change has introduced additional bureaucracy and requirements for those seeking to become British citizens.
Loss of European Union Citizenship
Before Brexit, British citizens held dual citizenship: British citizens and citizens of the European Union. This dual citizenship allowed them access to certain rights and benefits, including the ability to vote in European Parliament elections and access to consular protection in EU countries. With Brexit, British citizens have lost their EU citizenship.
The loss of EU citizenship has implications for British citizens who frequently traveled, studied, or conducted business in EU countries. It has also led to concerns about the potential loss of rights and privileges of EU citizenship.
Impact on the Children of British Citizens
Brexit has also impacted the rights of the children of British citizens. Before Brexit, the children of British citizens born in an EU country were automatically eligible for British citizenship. However, this has changed, and now, these children may need to go through the same immigration and citizenship application processes as other foreign nationals.
This change can lead to complications for British citizens living in the EU who have children, as it may require additional legal procedures and paperwork to secure their children's citizenship.
Final Remarks
As Brexit continues to shape the relationship between the UK and the EU, British citizens need to stay informed about the evolving rules and regulations that affect their citizenship status and rights. Adapting to these changes and understanding their implications is crucial for those who wish to maintain their connections with the EU and the opportunities it offers.
