New measures to help UK nationals living in the European Union (EU) complete residency applications before Brexit were given a cautious welcome by campaigners on Friday.

Grant funding of up to £3 million (€3.3 million) will be made available for voluntary organisations who will inform people about the need to register or apply for residency, as well as supporting them in completing their applications.

"The UK will be leaving the EU on October 31st and we want to help UK nationals living across the EU to be fully ready for Brexit, whatever the circumstances. This funding will ensure people get the support they need to apply to protect their residency rights and access to services," said Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab.

Over 1 million UK nationals are currently living in the EU and European Free Trade Association EFTA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland)