More than a third of EU citizens report feeling “discriminated against” by public bodies since Brexit, watchdog finds

In its report, the IMA warned that barriers to accessing rights are still a problem for some citizens five years on.

The IMA protects the rights of EU and EEA EFTA citizens, and their family members, in the UK and Gibraltar.

Following its survey of more than 2,200 EU and EEA EFTA citizens, the results of which have been published today (1 October), the IMA found that while 97% of respondents are aware of their rights, one in five reported experiencing difficulties in accessing them, including the right to work, live, and travel.

Of those who reported difficulties accessing their rights, 42% were still waiting an outcome on their EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) application, 35% held pre-settled status, and 37% of those reporting difficulties were from an ethnic minority background. 

In addition to barriers accessing rights, 35% of respondents reported feeling “discriminated against” by public bodies since Brexit. Half of those reporting discrimination were from ethnic minority backgrounds. 

When asked why respondents did not trust public bodies to uphold their rights, 25% said general lack of trust because of issues such as denied applications, while 13% said it was due to a fear of being treated unequally.

A further 11% were worried about future governments and the potential for harsher immigration policies.

Meanwhile, the IMA observed the “possible impact on future generations” (citizens who are currently 21 and under, and children not yet born) of Brexit, noting that a “significant percentage” of parents or guardians who responded to the survey (38%) said they had not applied to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) for their child. 

The study found that the main reason (72%) for not applying for a child was a belief that at the time of birth their child held British citizenship due to being born in the UK.

A further 13% of respondents were simply not aware that they needed to apply to the EUSS for their child. 

At the time of a child’s birth, to automatically gain British citizenship one or more parents must either be a British citizen themselves or hold settled status.

The IMA said it is currently seeking “assurance” that local authorities across the UK are discharging their responsibilities with regards to making and supporting EUSS applications on behalf of all eligible looked after children, children in receipt of local authority care and support, and care leavers.

The report noted: “To date more than 150 additional eligible children and care leavers have been identified and supported to make applications to the EUSS scheme as a result of local authority enhancements.”

Chief Executive of the IMA Miranda Biddle said: “Five years on from Brexit, the survey results support our current understanding that whilst awareness of rights is increasing, barriers in accessing those rights remain for some citizens. It is also likely that type of issues being faced by EU and EEA EFTA citizens will only continue to evolve in complexity.

“The survey findings will help to inform the IMA's ongoing work to monitor and promote the implementation and application of the Withdrawal and Separation Agreements. It will help to identify areas requiring urgent attention to protect both current residents and future generations.”

Lottie Winson