PANJIM: Former External Affairs Minister Eduardo Faleiro on Friday claimed that Goans in UK holding Portuguese passports need not worry as Britain’s exit from the European Union will take at least two years.
Addressing the media, Faleiro said it is estimated that there are more than 20,000 Goans in the UK holding Portuguese passports. “There should not be any difficulty for other Goans with Portuguese passports to enter the UK at least for the next two years,” he said.
“Thereafter, it will depend on the terms of the agreement between the UK and the European Union and also on the agreement, if any, between the UK and the Portuguese government,” he stated.
The Congress leader, however, pointed out that xenophobia and intolerance towards immigrants has grown sharply in the UK after Brexit.
Explaining how Brexit will go through, Faleiro said the process is recommendatory and not legally binding until it is approved by the British Parliament. “After Brexit is endorsed by the British Parliament Article 50 of the Treaty on the European Union, known as the Treaty of Lisbon, comes into operation. The UK government will thereafter notify the Council of the European Union of its intention to leave the Union. This is expected to be done by the end of the year,” he said.
At the same time, the British government will negotiate a deal with the European Union on its withdrawal and its future relationship with the Union, he added.
“Under Article 50 these negotiations should be concluded within two years from the date of the notification unless the European Council and the British government unanimously decide to extend this period,” Faleiro explained.
