Following approval by the UK Parliament of the EU Withdrawal Bill, British High Commissioner Stephen Lillie has posted an open letter to UK nationals in Cyprus to update them on their citizens’ rights during the Brexit implementation period.
With the UK set to leave the EU at 11pm UK time on Friday, January 31, Lillie’s letter explains what this means for UK nationals in Cyprus.
The letter is reproduced below:
“The Withdrawal Agreement between Britain and the EU contains some really important protections for UK nationals living in the EU, including the right to live, work and access services, such as healthcare, as you do now.
“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. I know that many of you have already applied for residency documents (MEU1s and MEU3s). If you have not yet applied, I strongly urge you to do so now. Please also remember to make sure your passport has not expired as this is a requirement when you apply for residency.
“UK nationals who are legally resident in Cyprus should register with GESY, in order to access state healthcare on the same terms as now. This includes people who are covered by the S1 scheme. If you are a tourist or short-term visitor to Cyprus after 31 January we strongly advise you to have comprehensive travel insurance.
“An issue which I know is important to UK residents in the north of the island concerns future arrangements for crossing the Green Line. On 1 February, we begin the Implementation Period following our exit from the EU. This lasts until 31 December. 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. We will continue to engage with the Republic of Cyprus on arrangements beyond the end of 2020 and keep you updated.
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