News Articles

  • As the EU Settlement deadline of 30 June draws closer, Advice NI was pleased to host Kevin Foster, Minister for Future Borders and Immigration, on Tuesday 15 June to discuss the Scheme and the future of Immigration within the UK.

  • As the deadline is approaching fast, we are receiving an unprecedented number of calls and messages on our helpline and emails. 

  • The following has issued from the Home Office with regard to end of the immigration grace period on 30 June 2021.

  • Do you know an elderly or vulnerable EU, EEA or Swiss citizen living in the UK before 31 Dec 2020? They need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme by 30 Jun 2021 to protect their rights and benefits.

  • Advice NI is providing help and support to local residents and vulnerable people to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme.

  • At the moment there is a great deal of uncertainty surrounding Brexit across the UK, particularly in Northern Ireland.

  • We are providing a FREE advice clinic in partnership with Belfast City Council to EU Citizens and family members who need to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme.

  • The current circumstances are extremely challenging for all of us, with access to services and support restricted by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

  • This important milestone was reached with eight months still to go before the 30 June 2021 deadline.

  • Advice NI highlights importance of advice services as local government is about to undergo significant change. Ahead of changes to local government in Northern Ireland, Advice NI has called upon local Councils to ensure that the work of independent advice services is recognised and protected.Advice NI leads delivery of independent advice services across the current Castlereagh Borough Council area. The service involves face to face service provision by advisors locally deployed to service the Castlereagh outreach venues. Appeal tribunal representation services and dedicated money advice services are in place, a dedicated Freephone line has been established and an email advice facility is also in place.In April 2015, as part of the reform of local government in Northern Ireland the number of councils will be reduced from 26 to 11. There will be significant changes with the majority of households in Castlereagh merging with Lisburn City Council with 38% of the population of Castlereagh and 21% of Lisburn moving to the new Belfast City Council. The new Castlereagh and Lisburn Council area will have approximately 137,000 residents and approximately 56,000 households.Speaking about the service, Bob Stronge Advice NI Chief Executive said: “Independent advice services are much-needed and highly valued by people across Northern Ireland. Advice NI and member organisations have a proven track record in providing excellent advice services across the community and we acknowledge the support and commitment shown by Councils to advice services. We look forward to working with the new Councils post RPA to similarly ensure that independent advice remains a key community service moving forward.”