The EU and the UK have agreed to give powers to Spain for the issuance of residence permits, visas, and asylum in Gibraltar.
Such powers were given as part of the most recent EU-UK deal, which is aimed at settling post-Brexit border arrangements for the British overseas territory, Schengen.News reports.
Speaking for Bloomberg, an EU Commission spokesperson said that a special role is foreseen for Spain in Gibraltar.
As the spokesperson explained, the new system will give Spain the rights to ensure that the Schengen Area will be fully preserved when the border protections are removed between Gibraltar and the South of Spain.
The UK and the EU reached the deal on Gibraltar’s post-Brexit border controls in the second week of June this year. If the agreement is ratified, the border controls will be lifted for people as well as goods between Gibraltar and Spain, and dual border controls will be implemented at the port and airport of the territory.
Even though the power over the issuance of residence permits, visas, and asylum has been given to Spain, an EU official noted that Gibraltar authorities will still be able to issue a limited number of humanitarian visas with a limited validity period.
Regarding asylum cases, it has been noted that both Schengen and Gibraltar authorities will have a significant role in the matter.
The government of the territory said that it will have the final say on asylum applications. Even though Spain will be responsible for carrying out residency checks, the territory’s government emphasised that the decision to approve or reject residence permit applications will rest with them.
Negotiating Teams Still Finalising Agreement Details
The negotiating teams of both parties are finalising the agreement details. Once this step is completed, they will begin the adoption and the ratification of the agreement.
This deal is expected to have a significant impact on travellers, especially for those travelling for work every day.
Data show that about 15,000 Spanish nationals cross the border daily to work in Gibraltar. Similarly, a large number of Gibraltar nationals also cross the border, and with the new deal, travel will be made simpler.
Commenting on the matter, a Gibraltar government spokesperson said that the agreement does not compromise the sovereignty of Gibraltar and provides opportunities for trade in Gibraltar.
The agreement does not compromise sovereignty in any respect and provides huge opportunities for traders in Gibraltar.
The same further said that the agreement will help in protecting the fluidity of people needed for the continued success and expansion of industries in Gibraltar.