Three months after the Brexit, British expats in the European Union still don't see the light at the end of the tunnel, and it looks like things are getting worse. Last week, a number of Britons were deported upon their arrival in Spain. While others are still in limbo, Britons in France, for example, fear losing their driving license. Let's have a look at what's happening.
According to international media reports, some 500 Britons are at risk of being deported from Spain in the coming days. Add to that a number of Britons who were forced to go back upon their arrival in Alicante last week. The situation does look alarming, but the Spanish authorities are clear on this issue. Britons must have the appropriate resident status to enter and stay legally in Spain for more than 90 days. Following the Brexit, Britons are no longer exempt from visa requirements for short stays in EU countries. This also applies to Europeans who wish to travel to the United Kingdom.
Besides, since last week, British nationals and legal residents who are currently abroad are only allowed to travel to Spain for essential reasons. All Britons who are currently staying illegally in the country are therefore warned. Those who don't have a residence permit or whose application has been rejected must leave the country. According to the Withdrawal Agreement, anyone who refuses to leave Spanish territory risks a fine or even a re-entry ban.
Spain is currently home to some 300,000 British permanent residents. However, according to new conditions, those who intend to stay in Spain long term must prove their monthly income. They will need to earn at least £2,000, that is, more than 2,350 euros per month, and an additional sum of £500, that is some 589 euros, for each of their dependents. The source of income can be work contracts or a monthly pension in the case of retirees. This only means that expats who have moved to Spain with the hope of finding a job or for any other reason will have a hard time justifying their stay.
Invalid British driving licenses in France
The absence of an agreement between France and the United Kingdom regarding driving licenses is making things complicated for British expats. Thousands of Britons who currently live and work in France are concerned, and many of them depend on their driving license to earn a living. On December 30, 2020, the UK signed a trade and cooperation agreement with the European Union, but this agreement is provisional since January 1, 2021, at least until it is ratified by the European Parliament.
The French government points out that the British driving license is valid for short stays only, including tourism and business trips. But Britons who actually in France have to exchange their existing driving license for a French one. Adam, a British expat in France, strongly disagrees. “I am currently in contact with the MP for the UK in the French Parliament as I also have French nationality.
I have written to Nantes, the ministry of Interior, SOLVIT from the EU, etc. I just need to write to their big boss, the President. ”he says.
Adam is fighting on the basis that no one told them. "No one mention the request had to be made by December 31 even if you arrived under Withdrawal Agreement. I suggest the last date to exchange should be just after July 4 2021, under the WA, which accounts for the 185 residency rule", says Adam. He suggests Britons who are in a similar situation to contact their UK MP and put pressure on DVLA to refuse French licence exchanges under the same principle. "Technically, they are illegally exchanging them. The French MP has advised both countries are working on an agreement and a solution. I will keep writing to him monthly to ensure follow up." He adds that there is simply no way will accept having to retake a test.
British expatriates have until December 31, 2021, to comply with the new rules. It's also worth noting that British driving licenses must be renewed every 10 years. But with these new rules, Britons in France are unable to renew their driving license. So, in any case, they can't use their existing driver's licences. Note that driving with an invalid license can result in a fine of up to 15,000 euros!
What about Europeans in the UK?
European expats in the UK, and those who were planning to relocate there, also feel concerned about the current situation. Sarah, for example, is a French expat who returned from the UK in 2019 for professional reasons. “The situation is quite uncomfortable. I moved to the north of England in 2018 to learn English. This was in my plans since 2015. While it was my first experience, it was not easy at all as I was a waitress. I loved the people, their lifestyle, etc. In 2019, I returned to France to boost my career”.
Sarah was looking to return to the UK, but that was before Brexit, and the global health crisis made matters worse. "I hope to be able to return before September to obtain the 'Settled' status. With my current English language skills and qualifications, I now qualify to settle permanently and work in the UK under the new points-based system ”.
But Tiffany, another expat who returned from the UK earlier this year, doesn't share the same views. "It's currently more difficult than ever to obtain a visa for the UK. Besides, the government is looking to limit immigration, which explains the new policies." She believes that those who are looking for an easy move should consider another EU country unless they have a real career prospect and sponsorship.
