Heathrow is to pay to achieve ‘settled status’ for EU workers at the airport.
The London hub is responding to concerns of staff who need reassurance and certainty over their futures in the UK after Brexit.
The measure is designed to provide certainty to the EU colleagues working for the airport directly as the country prepares for life post-Brexit, the airport said.
The new ‘settled status’ will allow EU nationals to remain in the UK after 2020, and Heathrow has agreed to cover all costs of the application process, which could reportedly involve more than 2,500 people.
The move follows release of information detailing how all direct supply chain employees will be in receipt of London living wage by 2020, and that its direct workforce will be zero hour contract free.
The development came as Heathrow welcomed its 80 millionth passenger over a 12-month period.
The announcement comes the day before MPs are set to vote on the EU withdrawal agreement in Parliament.
CEO John Holland Kaye said: “Heathrow is an international business and we need a workforce that reflects this.
“It is critical for us to have diverse, happy and valued colleagues. Many of our people are worried about Brexit and this move will provide reassurance and certainty.
“In the past 12 months alone, our people have welcomed 80 million passengers through Britain’s front door and we want to ensure that we retain and attract the best for life post-Brexit.”