Work Registration Scheme

Telephone: 0870 850 4238

From the 1st of May 2004 the following eight countries will join the EU as New Member States:

Poland
Lithuania
Estonia
Latvia
Slovenia
Slovakia
Hungary
Czech Republic

Workers from the new member states who find employment in the UK, either directly or through recruitment agencies, will be required to apply to register with the Home Office under the new 'Worker Registration Scheme' as soon as they find work.

Once registered they will be issued with a worker's registration certificate which proves that the person can work and reside in the UK while they are working in that job. If they change employers or recruitment agencies before they have worked continuously for 12 months the certificate will lapse and they will have to renew their registration.

It will be unlawful for employers/agencies to employ a person from one of the new member states if they are not registered for that specific position. Once 12 months work has been completed under the Worker Registration Scheme they may apply for an EEA Residence Permit.