Today a meeting had been arranged in Arboleas to update residents on the situation regarding Brexit and whilst nothing has yet been agreed I thought it worthwhile to pop along and see what the British Consul was saying with regard to the ongoing negotiations.
The meeting was arranged through the Town Hall of Arboleas and the Expat organisation Brexpats. The panel on the top table consisted of the Birtish consul from Malaga and her vice consul, a solicitor, a representative of Arboleas Ex pats, the Mayor Arboleas and Brexpats.
The main speech was the unmade by the Consul who gave her interpretation and explanation of where negotiations ere at this stage.
She set out the 3 main issue which people had eg Freedom of Movement, Pensions and Health Care and explained that an agreement in principle had been reached that all British persons resident and registered in Spain prior to March 2020 would have their existing rights protected eg pensions protected, and subject to inflation increases, freedom of movement and of residence in chosen country, and that appropriate arrangements would be made to take care reciprocal health care.
Whilst she explained that this had not been fully signed off she felt that the likelihood would be that it would have no problems. That left the issue of voting rights in local elections which is a huge issue because basically of deprived to the right to vote in local elections we would become almost 3rd class citizens. Negotiations are ongoing regarding this and of course have an element of urgency given that in Spain the local elections will next be held in one years time and any expat wishing to stand would have to be included in a list prior to January 2019. Brexpats and the other expat groups are campaigning hard to get this agreed between the 2 countries as soon as they can. As this is an issue which the EU have said individual countries must negotiate individually (due I guess to the disparate numbers of expats in the differing EU countries). The noises from the Spanish government are very positive but the UK government is dragging its feet.
The main take away from the meeting, and this may be of interest to those trying to sell their properties, is the importance of being resident in Spain prior to March 2020. If an individual is registered on the Padron in their Town Hall and with the Office of Extranjeros prior to this date they will in all probability have their rights preserved ad infinitum. After that date then there may be issues.
Regarding votes for life for Expats within the Uk system this was subject to a Private members bill but seems to be taking its time. It was part of the Tory manifesto but no one seems to be pushing it.
A few questions from the floor were about taking Spanish Nationality and of course that is open to anyone but the Consul advised anyone thinking of that to seek advice as there a number of impacts which may be unforeseen. Additionally you have to pass the exam and in all probability renounce your UK citizenship which would preclude your access to embassy services as a UK national. Additionally it takes about 18 months to 2 years.
The meeting was arranged through the Town Hall of Arboleas and the Expat organisation Brexpats. The panel on the top table consisted of the Birtish consul from Malaga and her vice consul, a solicitor, a representative of Arboleas Ex pats, the Mayor Arboleas and Brexpats.
The main speech was the unmade by the Consul who gave her interpretation and explanation of where negotiations ere at this stage.
She set out the 3 main issue which people had eg Freedom of Movement, Pensions and Health Care and explained that an agreement in principle had been reached that all British persons resident and registered in Spain prior to March 2020 would have their existing rights protected eg pensions protected, and subject to inflation increases, freedom of movement and of residence in chosen country, and that appropriate arrangements would be made to take care reciprocal health care.
Whilst she explained that this had not been fully signed off she felt that the likelihood would be that it would have no problems. That left the issue of voting rights in local elections which is a huge issue because basically of deprived to the right to vote in local elections we would become almost 3rd class citizens. Negotiations are ongoing regarding this and of course have an element of urgency given that in Spain the local elections will next be held in one years time and any expat wishing to stand would have to be included in a list prior to January 2019. Brexpats and the other expat groups are campaigning hard to get this agreed between the 2 countries as soon as they can. As this is an issue which the EU have said individual countries must negotiate individually (due I guess to the disparate numbers of expats in the differing EU countries). The noises from the Spanish government are very positive but the UK government is dragging its feet.
The main take away from the meeting, and this may be of interest to those trying to sell their properties, is the importance of being resident in Spain prior to March 2020. If an individual is registered on the Padron in their Town Hall and with the Office of Extranjeros prior to this date they will in all probability have their rights preserved ad infinitum. After that date then there may be issues.
Regarding votes for life for Expats within the Uk system this was subject to a Private members bill but seems to be taking its time. It was part of the Tory manifesto but no one seems to be pushing it.
A few questions from the floor were about taking Spanish Nationality and of course that is open to anyone but the Consul advised anyone thinking of that to seek advice as there a number of impacts which may be unforeseen. Additionally you have to pass the exam and in all probability renounce your UK citizenship which would preclude your access to embassy services as a UK national. Additionally it takes about 18 months to 2 years.
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