First Dates’ Fred said he was made to feel ‘like a second-class citizen’ by Home Office
First Dates Fred Sirieix. Photograph: Channel 4. - Credit: Archant
First Dates maitre'd Fred Sirieix said he was made to feel like a 'second-class citizen' as he applied for settled status in the UK.
The Channel 4 star, who grew up in Limoges, France, complained that he was asked for proof of residence in the country for five years - despite the fact the UK has been his home for 27.
Sirieix revealed his being asked was a mistake and he has been ultimately granted settled status, but has branded the immigration process a disturbing waste off time.
He also blamed the "Brexit shambles" for the complications.
The TV star wrote on Twitter: "As small as this may seem to some, the whole thing was deeply upsetting and unsettling. I could not find proofs of residency last night and woke up at 4am to check.
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"After all these years in the UK it is so wrong to make people feel like second-class citizens."
After being asked for details about his status in the UK, the issue was resolved, with Sirieix being confirmed as settled.
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He continued: "How unnecessary and a total waste of time #settledstatus SO SO SO WRONG."
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Sirieix has been an outspoken critic of Brexit on social media.
A spokesperson for the Home Office said: "We have contacted Mr Sirieix about his application and he has now been granted settled status.
"Nobody has been granted pre-settled status without first being offered the opportunity to submit evidence that they qualify for settled status.
"EU Settlement Scheme statistics confirm that by the end of June not a single person had been refused.
"EU citizens are our friends, family and neighbours and we want them to stay."
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