Withdrawal Agreement Beneficiary Meaning: A Comprehensive Guide
As the Brexit transition period came to an end on 31st December 2020, the Withdrawal Agreement between the UK and the EU came into effect, bringing about a range of changes for citizens of both parties. Among these changes is the Withdrawal Agreement Beneficiary status, which applies to certain individuals who have previously exercised their right to free movement within the EU.
If you`re not familiar with the term, the Withdrawal Agreement Beneficiary (WAB) refers to a non-UK national who is either an EU citizen, or a family member of an EU citizen who resided in the UK on or before 31st December 2020. Such individuals have the right to remain in the UK beyond the Brexit transition period, and enjoy certain rights such as access to healthcare and social security, and the ability to work and study in the UK.
So, how does one determine if they are a Withdrawal Agreement Beneficiary? Here are the three key criteria to consider:
1. Citizenship
The first criterion to determine if you are a WAB is citizenship. Only those who are citizens of an EU member state or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein are eligible for WAB status. If you are a British citizen, you are not eligible for WAB status.
2. Residence
The second criterion for WAB status is residence. You must have been resident in the UK on or before 31st December 2020 to be eligible. If you arrived in the UK after this date, you will not be eligible for WAB status.
3. Relationship
The third and final criterion is relationship. If you are not an EU citizen yourself, you may still be eligible for WAB status if you are a family member of an EU citizen who was resident in the UK on or before 31st December 2020. This includes spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners, children, grandchildren, parents, and grandparents.
It`s important to note that WAB status is not automatic – eligible individuals will need to apply for it. The application process is free, and the deadline for applying is 30th June 2021. After this date, those who have not applied for WAB status may no longer have a lawful basis to remain in the UK.
If you are eligible for WAB status, it`s important to apply as soon as possible to ensure that you can continue to enjoy your rights in the UK. To apply, you will need to provide evidence of your identity, citizenship, and residence in the UK on or before 31st December 2020.
In conclusion, the Withdrawal Agreement Beneficiary status is an important concept for those who have previously exercised their right to free movement within the EU and are now living in the UK. If you are eligible for WAB status, it`s important to apply as soon as possible to ensure that you can continue to enjoy your rights in the UK beyond the Brexit transition period. By considering the criteria above and applying before the deadline, you can ensure a smooth transition to life in post-Brexit Britain.