The United Kingdom's post-Brexit EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) has allowed approximately 214,000 migrants to gain residency, despite its official closure five years ago. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is facing pressure to permanently close the route, with critics alleging it is susceptible to widespread abuse.

The EUSS was established to provide EU citizens with the right to live in the UK following the nation's departure from the European Union. While the application deadline was June 30, 2021, the Home Office continues to accept 'late applications.' Since that date, 160,000 individuals have secured settled status, with an additional 54,000 family members joining them, bringing the total to 214,000.

In the last year alone, 66,000 new applicants were granted residency through the scheme. Successful applicants gain access to public benefits, the ability to sponsor family members, and free use of the National Health Service. They also qualify for student loans on the same terms as British-born citizens, with foreign nationals receiving £4 billion in such loans last year.

Tory MP Neil O'Brien stated that the system is "riddled with abuse" and that the Home Office appears to be "asleep at the wheel," incurring significant costs for taxpayers. Concerns have been amplified by the increasing number of applications, particularly from non-EU citizens applying as 'partners' of settled EU nationals. Notably, over 50,000 visas have been issued to Indian nationals.

Critics question the validity of partners applying after being separated for at least five years, citing discussions on online forums where migrants reportedly explore ways to exploit the scheme, including through 'sham marriages.' O'Brien has called for urgent answers from ministers regarding the continued acceptance of new claims and the closure of this perceived loophole. He has specifically challenged the Home Secretary on the nationalities of applicants and the rationale behind accepting partner visas so long after the scheme's initial closure.

A Home Office spokesperson noted that overall EUSS applications have decreased compared to the previous year.