In connection with Brexit are one BBC-According to research, hundreds of sham marriages have been contracted. So far, none of these cases have been tracked, the broadcaster reported on Wednesday. According to the BBCwhich obtained the numbers via a freedom of information request, reportedly attempted to take advantage of the so-called “EU Settlement Scheme” by 365 couples.
Same rights as before Brexit
This system guarantees EU citizens who were already living in Great Britain before Brexit largely the same rights as before the exit from the EU. You can work, reside and use the healthcare system in the UK. Spouses of any nationality could also apply in this system and be granted such a right to stay.
In the fraud cases, EU citizens are said to have entered into marriages of convenience with non-EU citizens in order to transfer their right to stay to them – in some cases for money, in other cases criminal gangs are said to have been involved. According to the BBC, none of these sham spouses have been prosecuted and their right to stay withdrawn. The Interior Ministry said the BBCfewer cases of this kind were pursued during the pandemic.
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