The Withdrawal Agreement Title III: Everything You Need to Know
The Withdrawal Agreement Title III is one of the most significant parts of the Brexit agreement between the UK and the EU. It deals with the rights of UK citizens, as well as their family members, who were living in the EU before Brexit. In this article, we will go over the key provisions of Title III and what they mean for UK citizens living in the EU.
Who is covered by Title III?
Title III of the Withdrawal Agreement covers UK citizens who were residing in an EU member state before the end of the transition period (31 December 2020), as well as their family members who were accompanying or joining them. This includes spouses, civil partners, and children under the age of 21, or dependent children of any age due to disability.
What are the main provisions of Title III?
The main provisions of Title III include the following:
1. Right of residence: UK citizens and their family members who were living in an EU member state before the end of the transition period have the right to continue living in that member state.
2. Right to work: UK citizens and their family members who were working in an EU member state before the end of the transition period have the right to continue working in that member state.
3. Recognition of qualifications: UK citizens who have obtained professional qualifications in an EU member state before the end of the transition period have the right to have those qualifications recognized by that member state.
4. Access to healthcare: UK citizens and their family members who were covered by the healthcare system of an EU member state before the end of the transition period have the right to continue receiving healthcare in that member state.
5. Social security: UK citizens and their family members who were covered by the social security system of an EU member state before the end of the transition period have the right to continue receiving social security benefits in that member state.
How does Title III affect UK citizens living in the EU?
Title III provides UK citizens living in the EU with a certain level of protection and certainty about their rights following Brexit. Without Title III, UK citizens would be subject to the immigration laws of each individual EU member state, which could vary widely and offer little protection for their rights. With Title III, UK citizens and their family members can continue to live, work, and access healthcare and social security in the EU member state they were residing in before Brexit.
However, it is important to note that Title III only applies to UK citizens who were living in the EU before the end of the transition period. UK citizens who move to the EU after 31 December 2020 will be subject to the immigration laws of each individual member state.
Conclusion
Title III of the Withdrawal Agreement is a crucial part of the Brexit agreement between the UK and the EU, providing UK citizens and their family members with a certain level of protection and certainty about their rights following Brexit. It ensures that they can continue to live, work, and access healthcare and social security in the EU member state they were residing in before Brexit. However, it is important for UK citizens living in the EU to be aware of the specific provisions of Title III and how they apply to their situation.