A father-of-two who has lived in Scotland for more than a decade praised Fife Migrants Forum for helping him navigate the settled status application earlier this week.
Mateusz Lackowski, 28, originally from Gdansk, Poland, moved to the UK 13 years ago and has lived in Cupar for the last six.
He was put off beginning the settled status process sooner after hearing stories of how other people have faced issues.
Mr Lackowski, dad to Xander, aged three, and nine-month-old Elijah, said the system felt “very alienating” to EU citizens who have spent years working and contributing to local communities.
He said: “I met with Fife Migrants Forum earlier this week for help with the settled status application. I was quite weary from hearing about people who’ve been through the process and been rejected. It was a big worry for me.
“They helped me with my application and made sure I didn’t make any rookie mistakes. The whole thing was very pleasant and professional and it felt like there was someone who can help to make sure I get it right first time.
“I would absolutely recommend the service. My case was fairly straightforward so it only took about half an hour to go through it.”
Mr Lackowski still needs to look out a few documents before sending off his application but does not know when he will hear back from the Home Office.
The petrol station worker said a number of his friends have also been through the process and he felt some of the requirements were unnecessarily difficult.
“It feels very alienating,” he said.
“I know a lot of people who have been here for a long time. I have a friend who fled Poland at the fall of Communism, that’s how long we’re talking, and even she had to apply for settled status.
“Some of the stuff in there felt like it is almost to put people off.”
