The Principal of the University of Glasgow, Professor Anton Muscatelli, has underlined his appreciation for the contribution of staff and students from the European Union and from other parts of the world.

In a message to all members of staff and all members of the student community, he said he wanted to reinforce earlier assurances that there would be no immediate impact or change in the immigration status of current and prospective students and staff from the EU.

Professor Muscatelli said there were many questions that still had to be answered, one month on from the 23 June referendum result which backed 'Brexit'.

Shortly after the EU Referendum result, it was announced that Scotland's First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, had asked Professor Muscatelli, to chair a group of experts to advise the Scottish Government on securing Scotland’s relationship with the EU. The Standing Council on Europe comprises specialists in legal, financial, business and diplomatic matters. The role of the Standing Council is to set out and evaluate all the impacts of the referendum result and all of the options open to Scotland to secure its relationship with the EU. The Council members have been asked to advise Scottish ministers on the best way to secure Scottish interests and objectives.

The Principal's message in full:
Dear Colleague/Student

I refer to my earlier message following the outcome of the EU Referendum in which I acknowledged the extent to which we value the contribution of our staff and students from the EU to the University, and how much we appreciate the vital part you play in our community. One month on, although there remain many questions to be addressed, I want to reinforce my assurances that there will be no immediate impact or change in the immigration status of current and prospective students and staff from the EU.

The UK government recently released a statement confirming that there has been no change to the rights and status of EU nationals in the UK, and UK nationals in the EU, as a result of the referendum. Further, they have confirmed that when the UK does leave the EU it is fully expected that the legal status of EU nationals living in the UK will be properly protected.

In summary the statement confirms:

• EU nationals who have lived continuously and lawfully in the UK for at least 5 years automatically have a permanent right to reside and there is no requirement to register for documentation to confirm this status. EU nationals who have lived continuously and lawfully for at least 6 years are eligible to apply for British citizenship: www.gov.uk/becoming-a-british-citizen 
• EU nationals do not need to register for any documentation in order to enjoy their free movement rights and responsibilities. For those who decide to apply for a registration certificate, there has been no change to government policy or processes. Similarly, the process for non-EU or extended family members remain unchanged.
• The government recognises and values the important contribution made by EU and other non-UK citizens who work, study and live in the UK.

For the full statement please visit: 

www.gov.uk/government/news/statement-the-status-of-eu-nationals-in-the-uk

The Scottish Government and Universities Scotland have also released a joint statement, reinforcing these messages and highlighting the major contribution of researchers from the EU to Scotland’s excellent research as well as to our economy, society and culture.

The full statement can be found here:

www.universities-scotland.ac.uk/news/joint-statement-eu-staff-research/

For now, the University will be closely monitoring the situation and any further developments that transpire. We will continue to keep you informed if there are changes in policy and to provide regular updates to staff and students throughout this process.

 

 

 

 

 

 

First published: 1 August 2016

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