Cyprus Mail 29 January 2020 - article by Evie Andreou
The British High Commissioner in Cyprus urged UK nationals to promptly apply for residency if they haven’t done so to ensure their rights will be protected after Brexit.
In a message to UK nationals living in Cyprus, the British High Commissioner Stephen Lillie said the Withdrawal Agreement between Britain and the EU contained some really important protections for UK nationals living in the EU, including the right to live, work and access services, such as healthcare.
“These rights will be protected for as long as you live in Cyprus, provided that you are legally resident here by the end of 2020,” the message said.
It added that many had already applied for residency documents (MEU1s and MEU3s).
“If you have not yet applied, I strongly urge you to do so now,” the Lillie said also reminding that applicants must make sure their passport had not expired as a valid passport was a requirement when applications for residency were submitted.
He also said that UK nationals who are legally resident in Cyprus should register with Gesy, in order to access state healthcare on the terms they enjoy at present. This included people who are covered by the S1 scheme.
Tourists or short-term visitors to Cyprus after January 31, were strongly advised to have comprehensive travel insurance. The UK will leave the EU on Friday 31 January at 11pm UK time.
The High Commissioner also referred to future arrangements for crossing the Green Line, which concerned UK residents living in the north of the island. He said that for the withdrawal Implementation Period, from February 1 to December 31, nothing will change.
“During this time there will be no change to the rules on travel to/from or within Cyprus for UK nationals, including motorists crossing the Green Line,” he said.
He added that the British High Commission would continue to engage with the Republic of Cyprus on arrangements beyond the end of 2020 and keep everyone updated.
“We will let you know when you need to take further action,” the message said.
UK nationals are urged to follow the Living in Cyprus guide on gov.uk and social media channels.
