British expats in Cyprus given an extra year to apply for residence permits

[Paphos Life]

Britons living in Cyprus have been given a grace period until December 31, 2020 to apply for legal status on the island in the event of a no-deal Brexit, the government announced on Wednesday.Britain is due to leave the EU on October 31 with or without a deal and the residency permit applications were supposed to have been made by that date....

Read the article and chat about it below...

[galexinda]

Never understood the reluctance of many British Expats here in Cyprus to ensure they are legally resident. Certainly wouldn't be allowed in other EU countries such as Spain where we have seen people collected from their residence and taken to the nearest airport if they overstayed the 90 days or worse still were found to be working without the necessary permits in which case their property was seized until all fines were paid and then leave.

In many ways it is good to see the cooperation of the Cyprus official departments, but it only exacerbates the situation. However times are changing and Brexit negotiations are not the only factor to be considered especially if you want to be eligible for GESY healthcare at some stage.

[WHL]

Never understood the reluctance of many British Expats here in Cyprus to ensure they are legally resident. Certainly wouldn't be allowed in other EU countries such as Spain where we have seen people collected from their residence and taken to the nearest airport if they overstayed the 90 days or worse still were found to be working without the necessary permits in which case their property was seized until all fines were paid and then leave.

In many ways it is good to see the cooperation of the Cyprus official departments, but it only exacerbates the situation. However times are changing and Brexit negotiations are not the only factor to be considered especially if you want to be eligible for GESY healthcare at some stage.

One of the reasons, younger expats dont register is that they work cash in hand, no need to pay national insurance, no need for health insurance, just use the EHIC card etc etc,

[Kili01]

Well, once we leave the EU, working illegally on the black by Brits, if they are caught will be handled by the police and Immigration. Anyone caught doing this without even registering to be on island legally, will have committed a serious offence. As we won’t be classed as EU citizens, there will be no protection as per EU law as at present. A quick court appearance, with no defence lawyer, maybe a hefty fine and possibly speedy deportation. As happened in the past pre Cyprus joining the EU. Also once we leave the EU we will no longer have EHIC cards. So although emergency treatment will be given, everything else will probably have to be paid for.

Bottom line is British citizens should be registering with Immigration now for an MEU1 or 3. in order to be living here legally after the Brexit,
Dee

[galexinda]

I agree mouse - so much more practical showing Cypriot ID than having to produce Passport each time I have to provide proof of identity. Immigration procedure something that has to be done in every country, including the UK, so yes, if everyone had done it in the correct time scale there wouldn't be this situation. Still too many people working and not paying their way, as they would be if they were still in the UK.

[Cookie]

Still waiting to hear how those of us who are planning on moving over say next year will be treated if there is no deal. I've looked at the non-EU residency and it doesn't seem to cover those of us who are retired from work but not of state pension age.

[Jim B]

Cookie
If Immigration have extended applications by 12 months you have till the end of December 2020 to apply for an MU1a (first stage residency document). As long as you meet the criteria; income, medical insurance and rental contract/bill of sale there shouldn't be any problems. As far as I can see there's no sign of a time period for living here that's required before you can apply for an MU1a.

Jim

[Jim B]

As far as I can see there's no sign of a time period for living here that's required before you can apply for an MU1a. Jim

I thought you had to live here for 90 days before applying for an MEU1

No; you have to apply within 90 days.

Jim

[Jim B]

Cookie
If you look at the new post regarding number of registration applications there is a paragraph relating to a cut off date for applicant qualification. No date has been provided yet but worth monitoring the situation.

Jim