"I have never welcomed the weakening of family ties by politics or pressure" - Nelson Mandela.
"He who travels for love finds a thousand miles no longer than one" - Japanese proverb.
"Everyone has the right to respect for his private and family life, his home and his correspondence." - Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
"When people's love is divided by law, it is the law that needs to change". -
David Cameron.

Library

Important - Primary documents and communications are now being uploaded here : http://www.scribd.com/BritCits

Some can also be found on the EEA visa - EU free movement Facebook group : https://www.facebook.com/groups/650212281695959/

It will take some time to move mirrored docs over, so you can find older mirrored ones here :
http://www.scribd.com/sjplep/documents


Some of the more interesting/useful/historical (!) are linked below. All are shared in the interest of public education and fair use.

Freedom of information requests :
https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/user/britcits
https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/user/wayne_pearsall

Current pack (last updated Dec. 2013):
http://www.scribd.com/doc/171712768/BritCits-Current

Current 'Surinder Singh for newbies - easier steps to a happier life' (last updated August 2014 May 2015):
http://www.scribd.com/doc/231192464/Surinder-Singh-for-Newbies
Thanks to David B.

The guide can be accessed in PDF, EPUB and Word format, on Scribd and Docstoc - complete list of downloads here :
http://britcits.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/surinder-singh-for-newbies-2015.html
 

'Surinder Singh in the Netherlands' :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/233617617/Surinder-Singh-in-the-Netherlands-by-Amanda-Briggs-Hastie
By Amanda Briggs-Hastie.

'Malta in a Nutshell' :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/237241220/Malta-in-a-Nutshell
By David and Dee of 'An undivided family in Malta'.

'Surinder Singh country specific guide' :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/239558037/Surinder-Singh-country-specific-guide
Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Malta, Poland.... must read.


The BritCits FAQ :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/231038768/BritCits-FAQ

-------------

Important background links -

Revealed: The financial cost of Theresa May's immigration policy :
http://www.politics.co.uk/news/2013/07/09/revealed-the-financial-cost-of-theresa-may-s-immigrationl
'The UK will lose £850 million over ten years as a result of new visa restrictions on foreign spouses of British citizens, new research suggests.'
http://www.migrantsrights.org.uk/files/news/Family_migration_costs_briefing-9-7-2013.pdf

'Can't buy me love?' Comparing family migration policies across Europe :
http://www.mipex.eu/blog/cant-buy-me-love

Women, young people and non-Londoners are most affected by changes to family migration policy :
http://www.migrationobservatory.ox.ac.uk/press-releases/women-young-people-and-non-londoners-are-most-affected-changes-family-migration-polic
'47% will not qualify to bring in a family member.'

What free movement for EU citizens and non-EU family members means - Directive 2004/38/EC :
http://britcits.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/directive-200438ec-httpeumovement.html

-------------

Statement of intent on family migration rule changes, 9th July 2012 :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/129790309/soi-fam-mig

Debate in the Commons on ECHR, 19th June 2012 - note the question posed by John McDonnell :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/137090720/Hansard-19Jun2012

House of Lords, 19th July 2012 - emergency debate following Alvi decision :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/130674481/Hansard-19july2012

Parliamentary briefing on changes to family migration rules, August 2012 :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/130036035/Changes-to-Immigration-Rules-for-Family-Members

European Commissioner Viviane Reding writes to BritCits on Surinder Singh :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/125908671/Comms-Reding

European Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom writes to BritCits on Surinder Singh :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/125908678/Comms-Malmstrom

Evidential requirements for European citizens and their families under Surinder Singh :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/138959294/Eu-Evidence

Surinder Singh and confused caseworkers - FOI request :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/138580402/Surinder-Singh-and-Confused-Caseworkers

Confirmation that British citizens returning from EEA exempt from economic migrant requirements for non-EU family (FOI) :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/138770326/Britcits-Returning-From-Eea

EEA nationals and their family members - guide to living in Europe :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/129789654/Eea-Nationals

Free movement in Europe for citizens and families :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/132967967/Guide-Free-Movement-Low

Your Europe - living and working in Europe with your family members :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/130621425/Your-Europe

Your Europe - travel documents for non-EU family members :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/142652277/Travel-Documents-for-Non-Eu-Family-Members

Motion of Regret, House of Lords, 23rd October 2012 :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/130674156/Motion-of-Regret-23rd-October-2012

Lord Taylor of Holbeach to Baroness Smith of Basildon, November 2012 :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/129359660/taylor-2012-11-11

Lord Taylor of Holbeach to Lord Avebury, December 2012 :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/129359949/taylor-2012-12-29-1

Letter from BritCits to APPG inquiry members :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/130034286/APPG-letter2

Hansard 14th March 2012 - contributions from Kate Green, Kerry McCarthy :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/130626192/Hansard-14-March-2013

Gerard and Vilai's immigration story :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/130835222/Gerard-Vilai-Mar-2013
http://www.scribd.com/doc/132520547/Gerard-Hearne-to-Rob-Whiteman

Lord Avebury weighs in :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/132520722/Avebury-to-Harper

Clyde and XuDan's story :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/130873409/clyde-and-xudan1
http://www.scribd.com/doc/130872886/Clyde-and-Xudan2

JoJo and Loic's story :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/132317046/Jojo
http://www.scribd.com/doc/140968867/Jojo-Updated

Les and Becky's story :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/147868191/Becky-Les-BritCits-Update

Journey to Dublin - Surinder Singh experiences :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/133697288/Journey-to-Dublin

'Shame on you, Theresa May' - ethnography of the UKBA :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/142837633/Final-Shame-on-You

The APPG report on the family migration rules - June 2013 :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/147871600/APPG-Family-Migration-Inquiry-Report-Jun-2013

BritCits submission to the APPG :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/149254237/appg-britcits

Family Immigration Alliance submission to the APPG :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/149254301/appg-fia

JCWI submission to the APPG :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/149254379/appg-jcwi

The UK Children's Commissioners' briefing on the APPG :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/163833474/Childrens-Commissioners-on-Appg

'Divided families - some more divided than others' submission to the APPG :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/154185875/Ctbi-Divided-Families-Some-More-Divided-Than-Others-Submission-to-the-Appg

Statement of intent on life and language in the UK, to be implemented October 2013 :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/148202765/Statement-of-Intent-Koll

Westminster Hall debate on the family migration rules and APPG report, 19th June 2013 :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/149254473/Hansard-19-Jun-2013

Marianne Bailey's report on the impact of the new spouse rules, June 2013 :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/150689405/Report-on-the-Impact-of-the-New-Spouse-Visa-Rules
and
http://www.scribd.com/doc/150689405/Report-on-the-Impact-of-the-New-Spouse-Visa-Rules

Debate in the House of Lords on family migration rules and APPG report, 4th July 2013 :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/151956054/Hansard-04-July-2013

'An Englishman in exile' :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/152597079/An-Englishman-in-Exile

Judgement in the MM case on the immigration rules, which BritCits contributed to :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/153242486/05-07-13-approved-judgment

'On 1st September 2013, a British family will be divided' :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/154379210/British-Family-to-Be-Divided

'List of documents we had with us' - a list of documents used by one couple using the Surinder Singh route :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/154582430/List-of-Documents-We-Had-With-Us

The Surinder Singh original 1992 judgement - free movement in Europe :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/155066647/Surinder-Singh-Original-1992-Judgement

A summary of Surinder Singh :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/155158155/EU-Family-Route

Suggested Surinder Singh template letter :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/156029837/Surinder-Singh-Template-Letter

Written response by Lord Taylor of Holbeach to Lords debate on family migration rules, 6th August 2013 :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/158766142/taylor-august-6-2013

'How to do the Surinder Singh route' - written by someone who has done it :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/160548569/How-to-Do-the-Surinder-Singh-Route

Personal experience of Surinder Singh, from Fiji to Ireland (Aug. 2013) :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/161732861/Personal-Experience-of-SS-From-Fiji-to-Ireland

The fiscal implications of new Family Migration Rules: What does the evidence tell us? (Middlesex University, July 2013) :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/162037369/Family-Migration-Costs-Briefing-9-7-2013 

BritCits supporter Lizzie demolishes the usual cut and paste government argument for rules that divide families. This is how to lobby MPs (August 2013) :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/164047678/Lizzie-Jjones

Stacey and Yoshi's story :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/164673765/Stacey-and-Yoshi

Tips on the Surinder Singh route via Germany. Mirrored from http://katevonpixie.wordpress.com/2013/08/31/our-exile-surinder-singh-route/ :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/165536562/Our-Experience

MRN briefing for 9th September adjournment debate :
http://www.migrantsrights.org.uk/publications/briefing-papers/briefing-spousal-visas-adjournment-debate-9-september-2013

9th September 2013 adjournment debate :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/167101510/Adjournment-Debate-09sep2013
and
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201314/cmhansrd/cm130909/debtext/130909-0004.htm#1309102001138
Several BritCits members and supporters mentioned here - e.g. Lizzie, Marianne,  Sean. Debate called by Andrew Percy.

Movement Against Xenophobia (MAX) statement September 2013 :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/168350086/MAX-Statement

Letter from Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond on behalf of BritCits supporter Christine and her husband Ziad (Syria) :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/168674837/Christine-Salmond

Joint briefing by BritCits and JCWI, 9th September 2013 :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/169706369/Joint-Briefing-by-Britcits-and-Jcwi
Issue: The Home Office has paused the processing of visa for spouses/partners of British citizens and residents for an indeterminate length of time leaving British families in limbo.

Statistics on spouse/civil partner applications, for the 6 months before and after 9th July 2012 :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/171250238/Refusal-Rates-Foi
Mirrored from : https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/gender_of_spouse_and_partner_app#incoming-403245


Children's Commissioner letter to Immigration Minister on rules, 13th Aug. 2013 :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/171888408/letter-to-mark-harper-mp-on-new-family-migration-rules
Mirrored from http://bit.ly/1dLl3MO 

Freedom of Information request on sham marriages :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/171890194/Foi-Request-on-Sham-Marriages
Mirrored from https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/criminal_convictions_in_connecti

Love on Skype; Hatred and Hype :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/171905755/Love-on-Skype-Hatred-and-Hype

Home Office guidance on Zambrano, May 2013 :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/172529995/FOI-27354
Mirroed from https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/159548/response/392395/attach/2/FOI%2027354.pdf

House of Commons Library 'The financial (minimum income) requirement for partner visas - Commons Library Standard Note ' :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/172842135/Sn-06724
Mirrored from :
http://www.parliament.uk/briefing-papers/SN06724/the-financial-%28minimum-income%29-requirement-for-partner-visas
Following on from :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/130036035/Changes-to-Immigration-Rules-for-Family-Members

UKBA data on the success rate of the in-country spouse visa applications under Appendix FM :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/174250627/FOI-2367-27802-Response
Mirrored from :
http://www.kadmos.org.uk/blog/2013/10/02/statistics-of-spouse-visa-applications/ and http://www.kadmos.org.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/FOI-2367-27802-Response.pdf
'The statistics appear even more shocking then anticipated: of the total 5401 applications for the partner visa made in the UK within 12 months from 9 July 2012 and 30 June 2013, only 1453 have been decided, and of these only 313 have been successful!' 

Template letter for MPs, MEPs and other authorities, October 2013 :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/174267292/Family-Migration-Rules-UN-Campaign-Final-Edit-1

'Best interests of the child' :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/176356583/Best-Interests
Thanks to Wayne Pearsall - http://pearsall.eu/
The United Kingdom has an obligation under Article 3(1) of the United NationsConvention on the Rights of the Child as follows:
"In all actions concerning children, whether undertaken by public or privatesocial welfare institutions, courts of law, administrative authorities or legislative bodies, the best interests of the child shall be a primaryconsideration."



Text of the EU free movement directive.
DIRECTIVE 2004/38/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
AND OF THE COUNCIL of 29 April 2004
on the right of citizens of the Union and their family members
to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States
amending Regulation (EEC) No 1612/68 and repealing Directives 64/221/EEC,
68/360/EEC, 72/194/EEC, 73/148/EEC, 75/34/EEC, 75/35/EEC,
90/364/EEC, 90/365/EEC and 93/96/EEC :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/176357950/Directive-Word-Format
Thanks to Angela of http://www.surindersinghroute.com/ for this.


Movement Against Xenophobia : Stop the Immigration Bill Flyer, September 2013 :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/176953709/Stop-the-Bill-Flyer

Letter from the Immigration Minister to the Children's Commissioner on children and family immigration rules, October 2013 :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/178476525/Letter-From-Mark-Harper
Mirrored from : http://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/content/publications/content_735
In response to : http://www.scribd.com/doc/171888408/letter-to-mark-harper-mp-on-new-family-migration-rules
Predictably banal and disappointing.

Dee's refusal letter :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/178797607/Dee-Refusal-pdf
Follow the story here :
http://britcits.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/dee

For Surinder Singh / EEA route people.
I have added this PDF to help applicants choose the correct Visa selection when applying on-line for the Family permit. I hope it helps.http://www.scribd.com/doc/179022132/visa4uk-pdf

Surinder Singh, Spanish-style :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/179743639/surinder-singh-spanish-style-docx

Family reunification rules in the UK: Protecting or redefining citizenship through immigration controls? by Ana Maria Macouzet Menendez

http://www.scribd.com/doc/180330815/Dissertation-AnaMacouzet-edOCT-pdf

Copy of letter to get EEA family permit written as a self-employed person, Ireland :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/180856709/angelas-letter-txt
Mirrored from :
http://www.surindersinghroute.com/yaf_postst1105_VAF5-Family-Permit-Letter-Template.aspx

Dee - 'My nightmare with UKBA' - the detention of a British citizen's spouse :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/180860632/DeesNightmareTrip-docx
More :
http://britcits.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/dee

Information and links for people in immigration detention (by https://twitter.com/anamacouzet ) :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/181518082/Info-detainees-docx

Hannah and James's story :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/182718252/Hannah-and-James-docx

European Commission confirms, once again, the validity of free movement in Europe for people to be with their families :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/185541816/nate-3759328

EEA family members and Disabled Living Allowance -
'This Memo is to advise of the implications of a Commissioner’s decision dated 12.03.12 and gives guidance on its effect for Decision Makers.':
http://www.scribd.com/doc/186755675/dmser-vol2-36

Immigration and social security law, April 2003 -
'The inter-relationship between Immigration Law and Social Security Law is complex...' :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/186756625/Sslpa-Imm-April-2003

Comprehensive post on changes to the Surinder Singh route, December 2013 :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/190982778/New-Surinder-Singh-Rules-11dec2013
Mirrored from Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/notes/eea-visa-eu-free-movement/new-ss-rules-5-dec-2013/659041377479716

EEA2 sections to be completed by Surinder Singhers :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/194244755/EEA2-Sections-to-Be-Completed-by-Surinder-Singhers
Useful for those considering European free movement.

No visa in the EU but still want to travel?
http://www.scribd.com/doc/200746933/No-Visa-but-Still-Want-to-Travel-Freedom-of-Movement-in-the-EU
Mirrored from Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/groups/477537505627291/642154262498947/
and :
http://eumovement.wordpress.com/2010/08/04/no-visa-but-still-want-to-travel/ 

Freedom of Information Request Home Office reply (part c) regarding new "Centre of Life Rules". Essential reading for Surinder Singhers.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/201814738/Ss-Centre-of-Life-Rules
Via Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/groups/650212281695959/ . Huge thanks to Angie for sharing.

Concise explanation of the EU Directive (on free movement) :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/206179188/Concise-Explanation-of-the-Eu-Directive 

BritCits survey results, March 2014 - impact of the income requirement for family immigration applications, and Home Office treatment of visa applications in general :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/208720551/Stats-From-BC-Poll

BritCits - written submission to Public Bill Committee on Criminal Justice and Courts, March 2014
http://www.scribd.com/doc/215802775/CJC

Liberal Democrats policy paper 'Making Migration Work for Britain: For a stronger economy and a fairer society'
advocates a more progressive family immigration policy (Spring Conference 2014) :
http://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/libdems/pages/4138/attachments/original/1392840151/116_-_Making_Migration_Work_for_Britain.pdf?1392840151 

Living and working in the Netherlands :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/222943866/Living-and-Working-in-the-Netherlands 

Right of Union citizens and their family members to move and reside freely within the Union.
Guide on how to get the best out of Directive 2004/38/EC :
http://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/faq/freetravel/doc/guide_2004_38_ec_en.pdf
Mirrored at :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/227274608/guide-2004-38-ec-en

Migrants' Rights Network report on the regional impact of the rules, June 2014 :
http://www.migrantsrights.org.uk/files/publications/MRN_Family-Migration_Briefing-June_2014.pdf 

Statistics from the BritCits poll for the MM case (poll conducted Feb. 2014) :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/229037506/83-Stats-From-BC-Poll

 Sonel's witness statement for the MM case (March 2014) :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/229037642/Sonel-Witness-Statement-16-Pages

BritCits mailer, 10th June 2014 :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/229962049/Mailer-Jun2014

The BritCits FAQ :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/231038768/BritCits-FAQ

BritCits writes on family immigration rules in the UK - who they impact, what they are leading to and policy recommendations :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/231110292/Family-Immigration-Rules

'Harsh, Unjust, Unnecessary' : Adult Dependant Relative Report, by JCWI with BritCits, launched 9th July 2014 :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/233262294/Adr-Report

The full MM judgement, 11th July 2014 (long) :
http://www.bailii.org/cgi-bin/markup.cgi?doc=/ew/cases/EWCA/Civ/2014/985.html&query=lebanon&method=boolean
Mirrored at :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/233493455/MM-Ors-vs-SSHD-Court-of-Appeal-Judgment

BritCits 11th July 2014 mailer - after MM :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/233542074/11-July-2014-Mailer

MM and Ors case overview, by BritCits :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/231039718/MM-and-Ors-Case-Overview
'An overview of the judgment handed down on 11 July 2014 and the two-day Court of Appeal hearing on 4-5 March 2014, in the MM and Ors vs Secretary of State, Home Department (Theresa May) case.'

'Surinder Singh in the Netherlands' :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/233617617/Surinder-Singh-in-the-Netherlands-by-Amanda-Briggs-Hastie
By Amanda Briggs-Hastie.

The financial (minimum income) requirement for partner visas - Commons Library Standard Note - July 2014 :
http://www.parliament.uk/briefing-papers/SN06724/the-financial-minimum-income-requirement-for-partner-visas
Mirror :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/234402960/SN06724-jul2014

July 2014 BritCits mailers :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/233542074/July-2014-mailers

'Malta in a nutshell' :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/237241220/Malta-in-a-Nutshell
By David and Dee.

'Surinder Singh country specific guide' :
http://www.scribd.com/doc/239558037/Surinder-Singh-country-specific-guide
Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Malta, Poland.... 

 

7 comments:

  1. None of these links are working for me. Is this the UK HO at work? Is it because I have an African IP address?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No, that wouldn't be the reason.

      Could be a lot of things to be honest!

      Delete
  2. Will this guide work if we are going to live in France or is it only for Ireland? I am US citizen my husband is a UK citizen.

    How do we find the right visa to apply for online. Is it settlement?
    Do we click that we are applying from France? Does the book cover all these questions?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The broad principles and the basis of free movement are the same across the EEA, including both Ireland and France. Ireland is the most popular destination for obvious reasons, but the principles across the EEA are the same (and you do, for example, find Danish people exercising free movement in Sweden, Dutch people in Belgium and Germany, etc.).

      We do not and cannot (given our resources) give any sort of advice to individual cases on this blog. Also local circumstances change all the time in each country. What you may want to do is join this Facebook community, which has a lot of people already going through the route and which is therefore always up to date :
      https://www.facebook.com/groups/650212281695959/

      You might also want to follow up on the links via this label, which includes individual country guides :
      http://britcits.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/surinder%20singh%20for%20newbies

      Good luck.

      Delete
    2. Also please remember the doc is provided for free by volunteers... we make no guarantees as to local circumstances or indeed how interpretations might change over time. :) You're best off downloading the doc and reading through it.

      I strongly suggest joining the Facebook community I linked to above as well.

      Delete
  3. Great work on the site and movement. However... why are so many of your publications on Scribd for which you have to pay a subscription to download? Is there any way I can get free access to download them as I don't always have access to the internet.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi William, I am under the impression it's free to download...you may just need to register. If you have an alternative to scribd we'd be happy to consider it too.

      Delete