11-12 Token House Yard, London, EC2R 7AS 02074878370 info@bararassociates.com

EU CITIZENS WHO BECOME BRITISH KEEP FREE MOVEMENT RIGHTS

Share:

A VPN is an essential component of IT security, whether you’re just starting a business or are already up and running. Most business interactions and transactions happen online and VPN
150304_ECJ

Toufik Lounes v Secretary of State for the Home Department C-165/16 (14 November 2017)

In a landmark judgment, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has found that EU citizens who become nationals of another EU Member State retain the right to have a non-EU spouse live with them.

The Court found that the British government had breached the rights of a dual British-Spanish citizen seeking to have her Algerian husband live with her in the UK by denying him permanent residency.

The conditions for the grant of a right of residence for a non-EU spouse must not be stricter than those laid down by the free movement directive.

The Secretary of State for the Home Department stipulated that under the UK legislation implementing the free movement Directive 2004/38/EC, the Spanish national had ceased to be regarded as an ‘EEA national’ following her acquisition of British citizenship. Her husband could not therefore claim a residence card as a family member of an EEA national but had to follow the UK Immigration Rules which are stricter.

The directive does not confer any autonomous right on family members of EU citizens who are non-EU nationals, but only derived rights from the rights which the EU citizens concerned enjoy as a result of having exercised their freedom of movement (move to and reside in a ‘Member State other than that of which they are a national’).

The Court stated that if a EU national acquires British citizenship, the directive will cease to govern his residence in the UK and will no longer apply to him.  Consequently, his spouse would not benefit from a derived right of residence in the UK on the basis of the directive.

However, a non-EU national and family member of the EU citizen, may be eligible for a derived right of residence based on Article 21(1) TFEU where the grant of such a right is necessary to ensure the effective exercise by the EU citizen concerned of his freedom of movement and of the rights which Article 21(1) TFEU affords him (the right to lead a normal family life, together with family members, in the host Member State).

EU nationals must be able to continue to enjoy their right in the host Member State, after they have acquired the nationality of that Member State in addition to their nationality of origin. They must be capable of building a family life with their third-country-national spouse, by means of the grant of a derived right of residence to that spouse.

Otherwise, it would be contrary to the logic of gradual integration in the host Member State because EU citizens will be deprived of the right to a normal family life in the host Member State as they have sought, by becoming naturalised in that Member State, to become more deeply integrated in that State.

Share:

Contact us:

Ask your questions to one of our immigration lawyers now

    Join our mailing list

    Related Posts:

    London immigration consultants

    How to Choose the Right Immigration Consultant in London

    Sarah spent weeks staring at a mountain of visa paperwork, feeling overwhelmed by the UK’s legal changes. She nearly missed a deadline because of a small mistake in her application. That moment of panic is something we see far too often. Securing your future in the United Kingdom needs precision and expert guidance. We help individuals navigate these complex systems with confidence. Our office is at 11-12 Token House Yard, London, EC2R 7AS. Making an informed decision about your representation is a critical step. We’ve prepared this guide to help you choose a professional who prioritises your success. Key Takeaways Verify the professional accreditation and registration of your advisor. Prioritise firms that specialise in your specific visa category. Ensure transparent communication regarding all legal fees and costs. Check for a proven track record of successful case outcomes. Look for local expertise to navigate the nuances of the British system. Understand the Role of an Immigration Consultant An immigration consultant is your key guide through the Home Office’s complex rules. They connect your dreams with the strict visa application standards. By getting immigration advice London, your case gets the care it needs. What Services Do Immigration Consultants Offer? Consultants offer a wide range of services to help you get residency or work permits. They help plan your visa strategy and check your documents for legal standards. This ensures your application is strong. They also manage your application from start to finish. They give clear guidance on legal rules, avoiding mistakes. They write cover letters, gather evidence, and talk to government officials for you. Benefits of Working with a Consultant Hiring a consultant brings peace of mind. They know the system well, making your journey smoother. Their help lowers the chance of application problems. With top-notch immigration advice London, you get a dedicated partner. They keep you updated on immigration rules, making your application fit the latest policies. Their expertise makes a tough task easier to handle. Assess Your Immigration Needs Understanding your journey to the United Kingdom starts with knowing your goals. Before you start, do a thorough self-assessment of your situation. This step is key to making sure your path matches your future plans. Our team of UK immigration experts suggests writing down why you want to move. Is it for a job, education, or to be with family? Being clear now can save you from future problems. Thinking about your future helps create a clear plan for your application. Types of Visas Available The UK’s immigration system is complex, with many visa types for different needs. You might need a Skilled Worker visa for a job or a Student visa for university. There are also Family visas for joining loved ones in the UK. It’s crucial to know what you need from the start. Each visa has its own rules about money, language, and who can sponsor you. Knowing these details early helps you choose the right visa for you. Evaluating Your Eligibility for Different Programs After finding possible visa paths, check if you qualify. Look at the government’s latest rules and see if you meet them. Getting it right is key to a smooth application.

    Read more ›

    UK Visa Applications Explained: A Complete Guide

    Last winter, we met a client who had spent months gathering documents. But, they faced a rejection due to a small mistake. It was a sad moment that showed how intricate the legal world can be for those trying to enter the country. From our office at 11-12 Token House Yard, London, EC2R 7AS, we see the stress these rules cause. Meticulous preparation is key to keep your journey on track. Our team of immigration consultants UK works hard to make these rules clear. We think the right support can help you feel confident and clear about your path. Key Takeaways Professional guidance is essential for avoiding common pitfalls during the submission process. Our experts at Token House Yard specialise in simplifying complex legal requirements. Meticulous organisation of your documentation significantly improves your chances of success. We provide tailored support to help you understand the specific criteria for your entry. Seeking early advice prevents costly delays and reduces unnecessary anxiety for applicants. Understanding the UK Visa System Getting to know the UK visa system is key for those moving to Britain. It sorts people out based on why they’re coming, making sure they follow the law. Picking the right path can really boost your chances of success. Types of Visas Available The government has many options for different needs, from short visits to staying long-term. People often choose between the points-based system for skilled workers or family visas. Choosing the right route is a big decision early on. Here’s a table to help you understand the main categories. Each one has its own purpose and needs specific documents to show your plans. Visa Category Primary Purpose Key Focus Skilled Worker Employment Points-based visa eligibility Student Visa Education Academic sponsorship Family Visa Reunification

    Read more ›