Ofsted director Daniel Muijs ‘denied’ settled status after Brexit
'I now need to find evidence of residence since 2013. Not a good feeling'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The head of research at Ofsted, who has lived in the UK for more than 20 years, said his application for "settled status" in the UK after Brexit was rejected due to insufficient evidence.
Daniel Muijs, deputy director of research and evaluation at the schools watchdog, has held posts in a number of universities – including Southampton, Manchester, Newcastle and Warwick.
Mr Muijs, originally from Belgium, has not yet been accepted by the application process for EU citizens wanting to continue living and working in the UK after Brexit.
The Ofsted deputy director said he has been asked to provide further evidence of his residence in the UK for the past six years to remain in Britain under the EU settlement scheme.
On Twitter, Mr Muijs wrote: “Have just found out my application for settled status in UK has been rejected. I now need to find evidence of residence since 2013. Not a good feeling.”
But the Home Office says the application had not been “refused”, adding that the automated checking process did not have all the information needed.
Mr Muijs said that he had already provided his national insurance number but he must now find P60 forms and council tax bills.
Tom Bennett, an adviser to the government on behaviour in schools, wrote on Twitter: “How ridiculous and distressing for you. I’m ashamed you’ve had to go through this process.”
A Home Office spokesperson said: “This case has not been refused. We would encourage the applicant to make contact with the Settlement Resolution Centre, who will be able to assist him with his application.
“Over a quarter of a million EU citizens have already successfully been granted status under the EU Settlement Scheme and we received over 50,000 applications in the opening weekend.
“We are looking for ways to grant status and automatic checks against government data are making it simple for many people to apply successfully.”
In tests before the system went live, the Home Office said almost eight in 10 applications did not need to provide any further evidence of residence.
EU citizens wishing to stay in the UK permanently after Brexit have until 30 June 2021 to apply for residency under the government’s EU Settlement Scheme.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments