EU citizens working in the NHS and higher education sectors can now apply for settled status in the UK – but those with an iPhone could face a long journey if they wish to do so
Credit: Hamzaniazii/CC BY-SA 3.0
EU citizens wishing to take part in the pilot of the government’s settlement scheme could have to travel 250 miles if they wish to scan their documents but do not have access to an Android device.
Pilots of the settlement scheme got underway last month, with EU citizens working in the NHS or social-care sector throughout the UK now able to apply for settled status. Employees of many higher-education institutions can also take part in the pilot phase, as can some children in local-authority care or those receiving support from certain community organisations. To obtain settled status during the pilot, EU citizens must apply before 22 December.
It emerged earlier this year that the government app through which applicants can scan their passports or residence cards was designed to work only on Android smartphones or tablets.
This is despite the fact that, according to market research firms, Android accounts for less than 40% of UK smartphones and about a quarter of the tablet market. Apple is the dominant force in both sectors, accounting for almost all the remaining market share.
Notspots – cities and towns the furthest away from any document-scanning location
Thurso
264 miles by road to Edinburgh
Penzance
191 miles by road to Bath
Port Logan
134 miles by road to Edinburgh
Holyhead
118 miles by road to Sale
Cromer
105 miles by road to Lincoln
Belleek
104 miles by road to Belfast
In April, the Home Office said it was “in discussions with technology companies… to ensure as many people as possible can use” the document-scanning app. But these discussions did not result in the app being extended to any additional platforms. It can still only be used on a smartphone or tablet running Android 6.0 or above and with near-field communication capability.
Advice on GOV.UK says that, if applicants wish to scan their documents but do not have an Android device, “you can use someone else’s phone or tablet to do this”. Once the settlement scheme launches in full next year, users that cannot access the app will also be able post their documents to immigration authorities.
The guidance published by both the government and the NHS strongly urges that citizens wishing to apply for settled status during the current pilot phase should have access to an Android device so they can use the document-scanning app.
However, for those without access to an Android phone or tablet, the government has also set up 13 locations (marked on the pictured map) around the UK where users can make an appointment to scan their documents.
While these are scattered throughout the country, there are numerous areas of the UK – such as parts of Cornwall, East Anglia, and west and northern Scotland – that are a long way from any of the available locations. In some cases, the distance by road is as much as 260 miles.
Applying will cost £65 for adults and £32.50 for children.
