THOUSANDS of EU nationals have successfully applied to continue living in Braintree after Brexit.

Home Office figures reveal that by the end of September 2020, 3,830 people successfully applied to continue living in the Braintree district after December 31.

European Union nationals wishing to continue living in the UK must apply under the EU Settlement Scheme by June 30 2021.

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

Those 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.

Of 3,890 applications dealt with in Braintree between August 2018 and September 30 2020, 2,740 granted applicants settled status and 1,090 pre-settled status.

Around 60 applications were either refused, withdrawn, or invalid.

Figures are rounded to the nearest 10.

In Braintree, the highest number of applications was submitted by residents from Poland - 1,360 - followed by people from Romania (720) and Portugal (370).

The UK officially left the EU at 11pm on New Years Eve.

It came after the Prime Minister settled differences with EU counterparts to strike a last-minute trade deal.

Staunch Brexiteer and Home Secretary Priti Patel was one of 521 MPs to back the deal in the Commons.

She said: "This deal takes back control of our money, borders, laws, trade & fishing.

"Boris Johnson has delivered on what the British people voted for. It is time to take full advantage of the fantastic opportunities available to us as a newly and truly independent nation."

Braintree MP James Cleverly also voted in favour of making the deal law.