|
|
  |
|
The European Union (EU) was established by the Treaty of Maastricht in 1993 and has a total of 27 member states*. The European Economic Area (EEA) was established in January 1994 and this allowed Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland to participate in the European market without joining the European Union. Since 1st June 2002, Swiss nationals have had the same rights as EEA nationals within the United Kingdom. Accordingly they have complete freedom of movement and are permitted to take employment without obtaining prior work permission. In essence, all European Economic Area (EEA) nationals enjoy free movement rights in the EEA. How we can help: We can advise individuals and organisations as to whether or not they or their employees are entitled to live and work in the UK. We can assist with any aspect of registration and compliance with the Worker Registration Scheme ("WRS") and, where appropriate, can handle the entire application process. Where necessary we can also advise on the procedures for obtaining an entry clearance (visa) for EEA family members and their dependants, before they travel. We are also able to assist with all UK residence permit/card applications for EEA nationals and their family members who are already in the UK. |
The Worker Registration Scheme ("WRS"):
The Home Office introduced the Worker Registration Scheme ("WRS") for nationals of the following eight countries that joined the European Union on 1st May 2004 (normally referred to as A8 nationals): Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia. In brief, unless they qualify for an exemption, A8 nationals are compelled to register under the WRS. They will only have total freedom to live and work in the UK once they have completed 12 months of continuous employment here. A8 nationals who are self employed or fall within the exemptions do not need to register under the scheme and can apply (if they wish) for an EEA Registration Certificate straight away. Although Cyprus and Malta also joined the European Union on 1st May 2004, these nationals may work or set up business in the UK without any restrictions.
Bulgaria and Romania
On 1st January 2007, Bulgaria and Romania became part of the European Union. Accordingly, their citizens are now also able to move and reside freely in any EEA member state. However, certain restrictions were put in place for individuals wishing to work in the UK and accordingly, Bulgarian and Romanian nationals are still required to obtain the necessary authorisation to work in the UK, unless they are exempt from doing so.**
*List of EU member states:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom.
**Bulgarian & Romanian exemptions:
Have already completed at least 12 months continuous lawful employment in the United Kingdom;
Already have leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom that is not subject to a restriction on taking employment;
Married to a UK national or a person in the United Kingdom;
Family member of an EEA national who has a right to reside and is not subject to work authorisation requirements.
Please also note that under EU law there are also narrow provisions which sometimes allow for workers employed in another Member State to work legally in the UK on a temporary basis.
Non - EEA National Spouses/unmarried partners/civil partners and other dependants (excluding fianc鑳) of EEA nationals:
Non - EEA family members should obtain an EEA family permit at the British Consulate/High Commission or Embassy closest to them before travelling to the UK. EEA Family permits are issued for a maximum period of six months and are free of charge. Once in the UK dependants should apply for a Residence Card, which can be issued for a maximum period of five years. This will depend upon the EEA nationalÂ’s proposed duration and purpose of stay in the UK i.e. the Residence Card will be issued in line with the EEA nationals employment period in the UK or course of study. Dependants of A8 nationals on the Worker Registration Scheme will not be able to apply for a Residence Card and must apply for a Family Residence Stamp, which will be issued in line with the Worker Registration Scheme. They will only qualify to apply for a Residence Card once the A8 national has completed 12 months of continuous employment under the WRS. Non - EEA dependants of Bulgarians and Romanians will need to file different applications depending on the whether the Bulgarian/Romanian is exempt from obtaining work authorisation in the United Kingdom
|
Page Top | Site Map | Conditions of Use | Home |
| |
|
|
 |