THOUSANDS of EU nationals have chosen to stay in Herefordshire after Brexit, figures show.

Home Office data shows 14,660 EU citizens had successfully applied to continue living in Herefordshire by June 30 – the deadline for new applications imposed by the Government following Brexit.

The EU Settlement scheme launched in March 2019 to regulate the immigration status of European citizens who live in the UK.

Around 1,740 applications were submitted in the last three months of the scheme being open – 10% of all requests received in Herefordshire.

EU citizens with limited reasonable grounds for missing the June deadline can still apply to secure their rights.

Those who have lived in the UK for five years and meet the criteria, can receive settled status and remain in the country indefinitely.

Others who have lived in the country for less time can receive pre-settled status, which allows them to remain for a further five years. They can later apply for settled status.

Some citizens who are not from the European Economic Area, may also qualify for the scheme, for example if they are family members of EU citizens living in the UK.

Between the launch of the scheme and the deadline, a total of 15,400 applications were dealt with in Herefordshire, with 7,520 people granted settled status and 7,140 pre-settled status.

Around ​750 applications were either refused, withdrawn, or invalid.

The highest number of applications received came from Poland (4,580), Romania (4,220) and Bulgaria (4,020) nationals.

Figures are rounded to the nearest 10.