Spain joins France in demanding EU end visa rules punishing Britons post-Brexit
A Union Flag flies above one of the seafront stores on July 25, 2017 in Benalmadena, Spain
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The Spanish Government has joined calls from legislators in France to relax post-Brexit laws on Britons who own second homes in Europe.
Madrid’s Tourism Minister Héctor Gómez claimed current rules have had an adverse impact on Spain’s economy.
He said: “Unfortunately, the rule is not something Spain has established by itself or can get rid of.
“It is in our interests to lobby and convince the EU that we can try to work an exception with them.”
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The Schengen Area, which is becoming increasing unpopular with members of the continental bloc, enables non-EU citizens, including those from the UK, can stay a maximum of 90 out of every 180 days.
Those who want to stay longer must apply for a long-stay visa, which permits entry for up to six months.
The UK’s director of consular affairs at the Foreign Office, Jennifer Anderson, met with Gomez this week.
The pair “discussed issues of interest regarding the stays of British tourists in Spain and collaboration projects for future seasons”.
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People enjoy the summer sun on the beach
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British tourists have been visiting the Iberian Peninsular for decades.
Data compiled by Spain’s National Institute of Statistics showed Britons amounted to 23.8 per cent of the annual total.
The French Senate will also debate an amendment to an immigration bill later this month.
Lawmakers supporting the amendment hope to give British owners of second homes in France the automatic right to a long-stay visa.
A couple walk along the beachside promenade
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Martine Berthet, who represents the Savoie area in the Alps, proposed the change after receiving complaints from people in her region.
She told The Daily Telegraph: “The Britons I have spoken to say that the current system is long-winded, difficult and full of pitfalls.
“The British are privileged partners of France. History has shown this to be the case.”
Berthet added: “Ties are warming between France and the UK following the royal visit.
“And don't forget, King Charles reserved his only official speech for the French Senate.”