The Spanish government is putting pressure on the European Union to scrap the controversial 90 day ruling for British citizens which is proving a nightmare for non-resident British holiday home owners in Spain.
A Spanish government source said: "we want the ruling scrapped but unfortunately it is not up to us it is a decision which has to be taken by Brussels but we are certainly putting our case forward so that the law can be amended."
At the moment non-resident British citizens can only stay for 180 days in Spain or across the European Union (in two blocks of 90 days) which has hit thousands of holiday home owners. At the moment Brussels dictates when they can use their holiday home in the Balearics or on the mainland. The French government is already on course to scrap the move giving non-resident British property owners special status. It is hoped that Spain could do likewise.
Many British holiday owners are planning to sell their holiday homes because of the ruling. The Spanish government says that they understand the heartache the ruling cases.
Letter to the editor
You article is wrong to blame Brussels for the current problematic situation.
During Brexit negotiations Brussels offered the UK's government unlimited Visa free tourist travel, ie pre Brexit status quo, on a reciprocal basis but Boris Johnson turned this down. The fault lies with the UK Conservative government. Various individual EU states have been working through solutions to this which can be done without creating a situation where the EU would have to allow free travel to individuals from all 3rd countries, ie the whole world.
If you think the current situation is wrong remember this when Rishi Sunak comes asking for your expat vote later this year.
Labour are suggesting sector specific reciprocal deals to overcome these problems.
Regards
Roger Woodward
27 comments
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HanserThey wouldn’t dare do that with someone from the Middle East or North Africa. Too afraid of being called a racist. Europe is finished.
The Spanish Government seems to have been lenient so far. Personally, I know people who have been deported from France, Germany and Denmark for over-staying the 90-rule. The latter was taken onto his BA flight in handcuffs, as the last passenger to board. All were previously normal law-abiding types. I don’t know of any similar instances in Spain
If the British gets a special treatment, so should all other citizens, no matter where they come from if they have Spanish properties. British are not more special than other nationalities. It's either for all - or none. Such a mess the UK Government did on this subject.
Brett DennisI doubt the French can do as they pleased, either.
David HollandCould you please clarify specifically which of the several countries in Schengen but not in the EU you are referring to.
Brett DennisBecause France does what’s best for France.
SaraEU. Yet some Schengen members not in the European Union. Do not enforce the 90 day rule . And are very cautious on the new visa exemptions, if it ever starts.
Intrigued to know how France can do something about it without involving Brussels, whereas Spain says it's down to the EU and they are powerless. Is it as usual the Spanish being two faced when it comes to British tourists, we want them but we don't?
David HollandThe 90 day rule is a Schengen ruling and the ROI isn’t part of Schengen.
Ulla JacksonThe ROI has a CTA with the U.K.. and they’re in the EU.