‘At this point, it is unclear what the post-March 2019 phase will look like, and how it will be managed.’
This is according to a September 2018 report on a joint roundtable on Roma and Brexit, from the APPG on Gypsies, Travellers and Roma, the APPG on Migration, and the Roma Support Group.
Speakers at the event highlighted that:
- The requirement for evidence of nationality is likely to disproportionately affect Roma communities.
- It is likely to be challenging for many Roma to demonstrate residence in the UK, as Roma often feature in precarious labour markets so may not appear in databases and documents often used for verification.
- Communication is a significant issue for vulnerable communities if they are not digitally literate or not connected to wider networks – this may harm awareness among these communities of their legal rights.
- Roma people have seen the UK as a safe haven and as a place they had felt included in society – speakers urged attendees to continue to build on this.
- Legal instruments such as the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities will remain after Brexit, and the Council of Europe will be willing to support the inclusion of Roma communities, whatever happens after Brexit.
- The main challenges facing vulnerable communities, such as Roma, will be education regarding the requirements of the process, awareness raising amongst the communities and support to applicants in need
Read the full report on the Friends, Families and Travellers website.
