South African/EU national and refused entry into the UK during December 2020?

South African/EU national and refused entry into the UK during December 2020? Image credit: AdobeStock

South African/EU national and refused entry into the UK during December 2020?

(Partner Content) Several South Africans with EU nationality have tried to enter the UK during December 2020 to settle in the UK by 31 December 2020. This move would have allowed them to qualify for the EU Settlement Scheme.

South African/EU national and refused entry into the UK during December 2020?

South African/EU national and refused entry into the UK during December 2020? Image credit: AdobeStock

However, many South Africans with EU nationality and other EU nationals were refused entry to the UK due to the border closure at the time. 

Fortunately, Breytenbachs might be able to assist clients affected. 

Background to Brexit and the EU Settlement Scheme 

The United Kingdom left the European Union in January 2020. The UK subsequently instituted a post-Brexit transition and grace period. This transition allowed EU nationals to move freely into the UK for settlement purposes until 31 December 2020. 

Read more at https://bic-immigration.com/uk-immigration/eu-settlement-scheme/

South Africans refused entry 

Several South Africans with dual nationality (SA and EU nationality) tried to enter the UK in December 2020 to settle in the UK before the EU Settlement deadline. However, following the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, the UK implemented strict border control rules. Many travellers were refused entry; specifically, those travelling from South Africa. The reasoning behind the refusal was the discovery of the new strain of Covid-19 said to be originating from South Africa. 

The UK border closure had a devastating effect on many hoping to settle in the UK before 31 December 2020.  Breytenbachs are aware of many families who sold their houses, took their children out of school, resigned from their SA jobs and uprooted their lives for a new beginning in the UK. 

How Breytenbachs can help 

Breytenbachs cannot guarantee any options to South Africans in the above situation. However, Breytenbachs is willing to look at the possibility of discretionary applications and possible appeals. We believe there might be a possibility of success with such applications. Breytenbachs will also look at potential options for EEA family members to apply as dependents.

If you are one of the South Africans who could not make the EU Settlement Scheme due to the border closure or refused entry, we urge you to contact us for a consultation. Breytenbachs have a dedicated and senior team of immigration consultants dealing with the EU Settlement Scheme and related issues. 

Please contact us at info@bic-immigration.com or visit our website at www.bic-immigration.com 

Please note that the information in this article does not constitute professional advice. It is provided for general information purposes without any warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied.