Sharon Piccardo

Words and image by Glenn Edwards

University of South Wales Film student Sharon Piccardo from Italy was accepted for pre settlement in just 10 days but she can’t apply for the full agreement for 5 years ( 2025) and her concern is personal and emotional. Her long distance relationship is a major worry. She is concerned that her Italian boyfriend will not be able to move to the UK. He now has to find a sponsor for employment in the UK. He must find employment and the employer must sponsor him to enable him to get a visa. A far distance from before Brexit when he could just travel to be with her with no problem. It is not just the big story of Governments and big business but more important the individual lives that are being changed because of Brexit. 

There is also the financial aspects for new EU students. Before Brexit EU students were classed the same as the UK with an annual fee of £9000 with a loan granted for the fees. Now they are classed as International students and the cost has risen to almost £15000 with no access to a student loan. Not only does this affect the individual but also the Universities where EU numbers have noticeably declined.