British Prime Minister Theresa May (file photo)

BRUSSELS, June 22 (Xinhua) -- British Prime Minister Theresa May has told European Union (EU) leaders the EU citizens living in Britain for five years will be given "settled EU status," the BBC reported on Thursday.

The report said the new immigration status would grant them rights to stay in Britain and get health, education and other benefits after Brexit.

May made clear the proposals would be adopted only if the same rights were granted to British citizens in the EU states.

It was reported that May gave her "generous offer" after a working dinner with other EU leaders at the two-day Brussels summit.

Before going for the summit meeting, May told reporters that protecting rights of citizens should be earlier issues to be considered in the Brexit negotiations.