European Union Opt In Decision: Residence Permits (Third Country Nationals)

(Limited Text - Ministerial Extracts only)

Friday 16th December 2016 Written Statements

[The Minister for Immigration (Mr Robert Goodwill)]

The Government have decided not to opt in to the draft Council regulation amending the regulation on the uniform format for residence permits for third country nationals. The proposed regulation is intended to update the 2002 regulation, which was previously amended in 2008. The draft measure seeks to update the design and security features on the current version of the residence permit.

In reaching its decision, although the Government welcome measures that will strengthen immigration and border control, it has taken account of the cost of developing a document that the UK may never use. The UK will continue issuing the current format of the residence permit until we leave the EU and we are considering the options following exit.

[HCWS372]