19 June 2020
NIHRC -EU Settlement Scheme extended to the people of Northern Ireland
what does it mean for me?
Introduction
This briefing sets out a change in immigration rules being introduced from 24 August 2020. The change is a response to representations made by a number of organisations and individuals on how the current arrangements do not meet the identity and birth right provisions of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement. The issue was the subject of a legal challenge by Jake and Emma De Souza that has now been resolved. The new rules only apply for a limited period.
The joint committee of the Commission and Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission published a report setting out a longer-term solution produced by Alison Harvey. Alison has also produced this briefing. I want to thank Alison for so ably meeting the challenge of producing an accessible document while doing justice to the complexities of the amended immigration rules. The briefing also sets out where else to get help and I hope it will be helpful to those individuals looking to resolve family reunification arrangements who are covered by the rules.
Les Allamby
Chief Commissioner
Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission