Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that the new process for applying for settled status for EU citizens resident in the UK is user-friendly for applicants who have English as a second language.

The EU Settlement Scheme is being designed with users in mind, and we are engaging with stakeholders who represent EU citizens in the UK to discuss and understand their needs. Our regular stakeholder groups include community representatives, employers, the EU27 consulates, and organisations representing vulnerable groups. We are developing a streamlined, user-friendly, digital application system, with multiple service options to meet the needs of a varied customer base, including additional support for the vulnerable.

We have launched a targeted communications campaign to maximise awareness and reassure EU citizens of our commitment to protect their rights and entitlements. Activity will increase as we approach the launch of the scheme before the end of this year.