Accession Nationals face working restrictions as they join the EU.

(From Government News Network (Was Hermes-Government Press Releases))

] HOME OFFICE 192/2006 29 December 2006 Accession Nationals face working restrictions as they join the EU

Bulgarian and Romanian nationals coming to work in the UK will be subject to new working restrictions from today, following the Home Office's announcement in October 2006 that the UK's labour market would be opened gradually to citizens of the two newest members of the EU.

The UK is limiting access for low-skilled workers from Romania and Bulgaria to its labour market, restricting them to existing quota based schemes which will fill vacancies in the agricultural and food processing sectors.

Skilled workers will continue to be able to work in the UK if they get a work permit, qualify under the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme, are a student, or self employed.

These new arrangements will be reviewed within 12 months and the Government's proposed new Migration Advisory Committee will assist in this process taking account of the needs of the UK labour market, the impact of the A8 accession and the positions adopted by other EU countries. Employers and employees will have a duty to abide by the new rules and there are controls in place for rogue employers and illegal workers, which mean if found breaking the law they could face an on the spot fine of GBP1,000, with the company employing the individual being fined up to GBP5,000. The Home Office will also continue to work closely with HM Revenue and Customs to tackle bogus self-employment.

Home Office Minister Liam Byrne said: