London: In order to allow EU citizens to apply to stay after Brexit, hoping to ease concerns among those who have made their lives in Britain, the government has launched a phone app.

The British government on Monday launched an app which is a test stage before the scheme becomes fully operational on March 30, the day after Britain is due to leave the European Union. It will stay open until late 2020 or 2021.  Nearly, 3.5 million Europeans currently living in Britain will need to apply for "settled status" to continue to work and claim benefits after Brexit.

Theresa May who is prime minister of UK has said repeatedly she wants Europeans living here to stay. Officials have vowed to make the process as easy as possible, but there are concerns at how they will cope with what some estimates suggest could be 6,000 applications a day.

Government is communicating with Apple to allow the app to function on iPhones as it currently only works on Android phones. On March 30 the scheme will open to all applicants, including those without biometric passports. Applicants can post their documents to the Home Office or visit a regional centre..