Closure of the Worker Registration Scheme

[polandtrade]

Immigration Minister Damian Green has today announced that the Worker Registration Scheme will close on 30 April 2011.

The Worker Registration Scheme is a transitional scheme, which was introduced in 2004 when the following countries (known as the 'A8' countries) joined the European Union:

Czech Republic
Estonia
Hungary
Latvia
Lithuania
Poland
Slovakia
Slovenia
Nationals of these countries must register under the scheme if they commence employment in the UK. The scheme allows us to monitor where A8 citizens are coming into our labour market, the type of work they are doing, and the impact they are having on our economy. Between May 2004 and the end of 2010, 1.1 million A8 nationals registered under the scheme.

Under the terms of the Treaty of Accession, the UK cannot apply transitional restrictions on A8 nationals' access to the labour market for more than 7 years. This means that A8 nationals will be able to access the labour market on the same terms as other EU nationals (except Bulgarians and Romanians) from 1 May 2011. A8 work-seekers will also enjoy the same entitlements to out-of work benefits as other EU nationals.

The Immigration Minister's annoucement was made today in a written ministerial statement, which contains full details of the scheme's closure. You can find the statement under 'Related documents' on the right side of this page.

http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/siteco ... rs-closure