With effect from 1st May 2004, the following countries became members of the European Union.

 

Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Cyprus, Malta

 

Please note that Nationals from Cyprus and Malta now have full rights to work in the UK and therefore are not subject to the requirements set out in these guidelines.

 

Nationals from the remaining eight countries listed above are required to obtain a residence permit and/or a worker registration document if the enter the UK and take up employment.

Nationals from the above eight countries are now subject to the Accession State Worker Registration Scheme. This means that if they plan to work for more than one month in the UK, they have to register with the Home Office. (Nationals of Malta and Cyprus are not subject to this scheme.)

Any new employee at the University who is a National from one of the new Member States is required to register with the Home Office within the first month of employment.

Employers must ensure that employees have registered and are legally entitled to work. If the employee has not registered within the agreed timescale, their employment will become illegal and the employer may be subject to a fine of up to £5,000.

Human Resources will specify in the contract of employment whether an individual is required to register and will follow this up after a month has elapsed. However, it is vital that Departments ensure that during that month, an application is made by the individual.

Application forms for registration can be downloaded from www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk  or by telephone on 08705 210224. Individuals will also need to send a letter from their employer (usually a copy of their contract of employment will suffice), two passport photographs, their passport and £50 fee.

Once an employee has completed 12 months employment in the same job, they will no longer be required to register with this scheme and will have full rights of free movement. They will then be able to apply for an EEA residence permit.

For any other queries regarding the registration process, please contact your HR Adviser or visit the following website: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/eea/wrs/.

Once an individual has completed twelve months’ continuous employment, they are entitled to free rights of movement in the European Union.  This means that they can apply for an EU Residence Permit.

In order to apply for this, the individual must contact the Home Office on 0870 241 0645 or visit their website: www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk

Author: Human Resources (MET) amended March 2009