DOZENS of EU nationals living in the Maldon district have been refused permission to stay in the UK after Brexit.

About 50 people who applied to continue living in the area had their application rejected

The EU Settlement scheme was launched in March 2019 to regulate the immigration status of European citizens who live in the UK.

Those who have lived in the UK for five years and meet the criteria can receive settled status and remain in the country indefinitely.

Others who have lived in the country for less time can receive pre-settled status, which allows them to remain for a further five years. They can later apply for settled status.

Home Office figures published for the first time show that since applications opened, 1,210 people applied to continue living in Maldon, with 1,160 receiving a decision by the end of September.

Of those, 650 received settled status and 420 pre-settled.

In Maldon the highest number of applications came from citizens of Romania (250), Bulgaria (190) and Poland (180).

Though the scheme officially closed on June 30, EU citizens with reasonable grounds for missing the deadline can still apply to stay.

Individuals can be refused on eligibility or criminality grounds, and if a refused applicant disagrees with our decision, they can apply for an administrative review or appeal - Home Office spokesman

Around 30 applications were submitted after the deadline in Maldon.

The Home Office said people with a pending application, are protected while the outcome of their application is unknown.

A spokesman said the EU Settlement Scheme had been an "overwhelming success", with 6.3 million applications received and 5.5 million people being granted permission to stay so far.

She added: “Caseworkers will always look for reasons to grant rather than refuse.

"Individuals can be refused on eligibility or criminality grounds, and if a refused applicant disagrees with our decision, they can apply for an administrative review or appeal."