The draft bill states British citizens in France could receive ‘more favourable treatment’ than people from other third countries. But this will only apply if French nationals in the UK are given the equivalent status. The worry is that any promises made by Mrs May’s government could be overturned if there is a change of leadership or general election, in which case France would reciprocate. The bill states: ‘In the event of withdrawal by the United Kingdom without an agreement, British nationals who enjoy the right of free movement and free establishment throughout the European Union, as well as members of their family, will become third country nationals and will therefore in principle be subject to common law, that is to say to the requirement to present a visa to enter French territory and to have a residency permit to justify staying here.’
So if there is no deal, we (and our family members) will need a visa to enter France and a Carte de Sejour to stay here. Anyone living in France without a Carte de Sejour will be in the country illegally. Also, if there is no deal, British nationals working for French companies and with employment contracts under French law may be required to obtain a permit. Without permits, a French employer could be criminally liable for the employment of foreigners. Some professions including doctors and pharmacists, and people working for the French civil service must have French or other EU state nationality. So after a no deal exit, a decree would need to be passed to allow British nationals to continue working.
Particularly worrying for the retired is healthcare. If the UK crashes out then existing agreements will cease and new agreements will be needed to cover healthcare, or France could introduce legislation to allow access to healthcare. It is probably reasonable to expect other EU countries to do the same. Clearly, there is much more to be considered by France, but this at least tells us the true implications of no deal and the dangers of our government using us as bargaining chips while refusing to ring fence citizen’s existing rights.
NB see the previous post for the UK proposal on health
