Hundreds of EU nationals refused permission to stay in Arun after Brexit

Home Office data published for the first time, shows around 480 people who applied to continue living in the area by September 30 had their application rejected.

Applicants can challenge a negative EU Settlement Scheme application by launching an appeal.

But the3Million, which campaigns for EU citizens' rights, is concerned about the status of those who are left 'in limbo; waiting for their appeals to be concluded.

The EU Settlement scheme launched in March 2019 to regulate the immigration status of European citizens who live in the UK.

Those who have lived in the UK for five years, and meet the criteria, can receive settled status and remain in the country indefinitely.

Others who have lived in the country for less time can receive pre-settled status, which allows them to remain for a further five years.

They can later apply for settled status.

The figures show that since applications opened, 15,710 people applied to continue living in Arun, with 14,970 receiving a conclusion by the end of September.

Of them, 8,640 (58 per cent) received settled status and 5,340 (36 per cent) pre-settled.

The highest number of applications came from citizens of Poland (5,510), Bulgaria (2,310) and Romania (1,900).