Brexit risks for students and animal owners

Brexit risks for students and animal owners

This week, the government is sending an advisrory leaflet to every home in Jersey detailing action to take in case the UK leaves the EU without a withdrawal agreement in place, which could happen at the end of this month.

Islanders have been advised to stock up on extra food, as they would for an extended bank holiday, and residents are also urged to check that their passports are not due to expire within six months if they are planning to visit the Schengen area of free travel.

The government is also advising Jersey students at university in the EU to check whether they will be able to continue their courses.

‘While Jersey students studying in the UK or outside the EU will not be impacted, the status of Jersey students studying in the EU after Brexit will depend on the immigration requirements of their host country and their individual educational institution,’ the advice says.

‘Students are advised to contact their host country’s government or institution for advice as soon as possible.’

Meanwhile, Jersey-passport holders living abroad are also being urged to get in touch with their regional authorities.

‘The European Commission has urged member states to take a generous approach to British nationals who are already resident in their territories, and several have indicated that they will,’ it says.

‘Any British nationals (including those holding passports issued by the Jersey Passport Office) resident in the EU should contact their local authorities and be ready to co-operate with them once they confirm any action they may be required to take.’

Pet owners have been told that they may need to have their animals microchipped or examined by a vet before going to the EU.

The leaflet adds that these necessary checks could take four months to complete.

‘For a pet to travel in an EU Member State, your vet may need to issue an animal health certificate,’ it says.

‘It may take four months for your pet cat, dog or ferret to become eligible for travel to the EU.

‘If there is a no-deal Brexit, you’ll need to make sure your pet is microchipped, has passed a rabies blood test at least 30 days after their rabies vaccination, has waited at least three months since the blood sample was taken before travel or has seen a vet for an animal health certificate no more than ten days before the travel date.

‘Requirements for returning pets to Jersey, after the UK leaves the EU, will remain unchanged if there is a no-deal Brexit.’

Further details about what measures may be required in the case of a no-deal Brexit can be found at gov.je/brexit.

Alternatively, advice can be sought by emailing letstalkbrexit@gov.je or calling 440401.

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