Impossible for Expats to return to UK?
 

Interesting and worrying for some article in The Guardian

https://www.theguardian.com/world/20...droidApp_Other

see also

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/returning-to-the-uk

'Returning from the EU UK nationals’ children and existing close family members (including spouses, partners, parents and grandparents) who are moving to the UK from the EU, after the UK has left the EU, will be able to do so without the need for a visa until 29 March 2022. Those moving to the UK after 29 March 2022 will need to apply for a visa.'

This does not seem to have had much publicity but could be a problem for some.

Re: Impossible for Expats to return to UK?
 

They mean EU family members who aren't themselves British citizens. Up until 31st December, they have EU freedom of movement, but from 1st January, they along with any other EU citizen coming longer than 6 months will need a visa, such as spouse, dependant or family reunion visa. In other words, they will be in the same position as non-EU family members have been up to now. And such visas aren't cheap, costing over £1,000 each including children, as you have to pay health surcharge of £624 a year (£470 for under 18s) in advance for the visa duration (30 months). Many children of UK citizens are themselves British, but only if they are born in UK or overseas territory (e.g. Gib), if their British parent is British otherwise than by descent (i.e. born, naturalised, adopted or registered as British in UK) or was in Crown service, recruited in UK, at the time of their birth. There are a few other exceptions.
There is a generous visa-free period until March 2022 for non-UK EU family members to move to UK with their UK partner/parent etc.

Re: Impossible for Expats to return to UK?
 

I went through this with my wife who was born outside of the EU. It was very difficult, time consuming and expensive. I believe they've also introduced a threshold for income below which you don't even qualify to bring your family members, which is pretty inhumane in my view.

Re: Impossible for Expats to return to UK?
 

It's a disgrace. I'm divorced in Spain but if I was still married my Swedish wife ( over 20 years marriage with children) would only be able to settle if I had a specific income level which is not the state pension and higher than we ever earned. The fact that we lived for 10 years in UK and paid CGT on properties to the government are seen as irrelevant. The fact that my wife worked paid tax and SS counts as nothing.We are as a family effectively banished and my exwife treated as some kind of foreign peasant likely to scrounge money of the state despite the fact that she still has to pay tax in uk based on owning a property which is rented!!! Now as we approach the final few days of Brexit it is becoming impossible for the Tory government to cover up the disaster that no deal would bring to UK. They will make a deal in the end because if they dont the legacy will be appalling. The only possible way of light for me personally is the break up of the union and the chance for Scotland and Wales to pursue a more modern, moral caring path than the destiny that faces England

Re: Impossible for Expats to return to UK?
 

Northern Ireland will be more adversely affected that the other vasal nations and I have no doubt they will soon be re-united with Ireland.

Re: Impossible for Expats to return to UK?
 

Yes, I think I understand it better now and as always seems to be winners and losers - as it stands.

Funny how we were promised all will be fine and then over the last few weeks people are being hit with all sorts of potential problems.

Re: Impossible for Expats to return to UK?
 

Who are those winners?

Re: Impossible for Expats to return to UK?
 

The Leave campaign (including the current UK PM) promised it would be fine. Those of us who have dealt with UK and EU (and member state) immigration rules for non-EU nationals knew that to be a lie, but were dismissed as 'Project Fear'... Just think of it as one of the benefits of ending free movement :p

Re: Impossible for Expats to return to UK?
 

Agreed 'winners' might be an exaggeration - but I think I could return (not that I want) for example as I do not have any dependents.

Re: Impossible for Expats to return to UK?
 

Just go to France and buy a rubber dinghy

Re: Impossible for Expats to return to UK?
 

I am bound to say Fredbargate the same thought crossed my mind!

Re: Impossible for Expats to return to UK?
 

Thread title needs to be corrected, as its dramatically incorrect, UK expats CAN return to UK anytime.
With or without rubber dinghy.

Re: Impossible for Expats to return to UK?
 

why it is a question...not a statement?

Re: Impossible for Expats to return to UK?
 

Possibly the best question asked here for a very long time 👏👏👏

Not forgetting to to jettison your UK passport mid channel.

Re: Impossible for Expats to return to UK?
 

The moral is "Trust no one who went to Eton or Harrow !"