Download The LCGB demands that the Government immediately takes action

 BREXIT – The aftermath
The LCGB demands that the Government immediately takes
action in order to address the uncertainties of British
expatriates living in the Grand-Duchy
Following the disastrous results of the British referendum regarding the European Union
membership, the LCGB claims a fast and efficient solution by the Government in order to clarify
the situation and status of the 6.119 British residents1 in Luxembourg.
Even though national political actors currently debate the economic and political implications
of the Brexit with great passion, they completely omit the personal repercussions for either
British nationals in Luxembourg or Luxembourgish nationals within the United Kingdom.
Numerous expatriates, however, face a multitude of questions along with a high level of
uncertainty such as: Will I need to ask for a work permit if I want to continue my current
professional situation? Will I still be able to receive my British state pension in Luxembourg (or
vice-versa) if the mutual agreements will come to an end?
In order to eliminate these personal concerns and uncertainties related to administrative
burdens (application for a European blue card, permitting work in all member states,
application for a Luxembourgish residency card, application for a Luxembourgish work permit
with the obligation of taking a medical exam, etc.), the LCGB speaks up for an immediate
clarification of the situation of British nationals by the Luxembourgish government, regardless
of the conditions that will be negotiated at the European level. Knowing that the United
Kingdom allows dual citizenship, the LCGB asks the Government to facilitate and accelerate
the naturalization process in order to reassure concerned British citizens about the
continuation of their professional as well as personal live in Luxembourg.
The LCGB further likes to underline that the free movement of people across the European
territories is a founding principle of the Union, thus guaranteeing non-discriminatory
procedures as well as the equal treatment of all employees. For many years now, the LCGB
demands shared social standards across all of Europe, such as a guaranteed minimum wage or
common laws regulating the detachment of employees, etc. Yet the Brexit vote by the citizens
of the United Kingdom, seems to be rather inspired by a lack of credibility in the British
government than a rejection of the social character of the European idea. Without interfering
with British politics, le LCGB will nevertheless fight to preserve all European aspirations
regarding shared work conditions, the equal treatment of all salaries, a harmonized status of
detached employees (work hours, salary and safety) as well as the equality of rights for all
employees across Europe.
1
Statec ‐ 01.01.2016 The LCGB thus continues to fight for the upholding of the principle of free movement of
employees and demands that the Luxembourgish Government rapidly finds an efficient solution
regarding the status of British employees in Luxembourg and Luxembourgish employees in
Great Britain in order to avoid a major loss in human capital.
The LCGB also would like to remind you that the more than 1.200 young Luxembourgish
nationals2 are currently enrolled in studies within the United Kingdom also face an uncertain
future with regards to the status an evolution of their education or scholarships.
In the coming month, the LCGB will continue to inform British citizens in Luxembourg about
the implications of the Brexit and will be assisting with all questions relating to the administrative
procedures in light of an acquisition of the Luxembourgish nationality.
2
Statec 2014/2015, Luxembourgish students in the United Kingdom receiving a financial aid