IT'S good news for nearly 3,000 EU nationals living on the Island after they were granted permission to stay post-Brexit, figures show.

Home Office data shows 2,800 EU citizens had successfully applied to continue living on the Isle of Wight by June 30 – the deadline for new applications imposed by the government.

Around 380 applications were submitted in the last three months of the scheme – 12 per cent of all requests received on the Island.

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

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.

Between the launch of the scheme and the deadline, a total of 2,880 applications were dealt with on the Island, with 1,860 people granted settled status and 940 pre-settled status.

Around ​80 applications were either refused, withdrawn, or invalid.

The highest number of applications received came from Poland (760), Romania (580) and Germany (230) nationals. Figures in the data are rounded to the nearest ten.

Kevin Foster, minister for future borders and immigration, said: "I'm delighted thousands more people have been rightly granted status through the hugely successful EU Settlement Scheme.

"We continue to work as quickly as possible to conclude applications, as well as supporting people with their late applications.

“Our message remains clear. The Home Office is looking for reasons to grant status rather than refuse. I would encourage anyone eligible who is yet to apply to get in touch and join the millions who have already secured their rights.”