23 May 2024

UK’s Home Office confirms changes to EU Settlement Scheme

On 21 May 2024, the UK Home Office confirmed changes to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS). These expected changes will ensure that eligible “citizens” (i.e., those granted pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme) can continue to prove their right to reside in the UK in a more efficient manner and provide clarity to those who need to check immigration status of individuals. On 21 May 2024, the UK Home Office confirmed an update regarding the EUSS, changing the duration of pre-settled status extensions from two to five years. The Home Office will also remove the pre-settled status expiry date from individuals’ digital profiles shown to third parties in the online checking services for right to work, right to rent, and view and prove purposes. Consequently, following an initial right to work or rent check, those who are required to check individuals’ immigration status (e.g., employers, landlords, letting agents) will no longer need to conduct subsequent follow-up checks for holders of pre-settled status during the course of their employment or tenancy.

A Tax Alert prepared by EY's People Advisory Services group, and attached below, provides additional details.

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Attachment

Full text of Tax Alert

Document ID: 2024-1053