Written question asked by Lord Roberts of Llandudno (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Neville-Jones (Conservative) on Wednesday, 1 December 2010.

Immigration

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government how the change from the present transitional arrangements to ““habitual residence”” will affect (a) A8 migrants already in the United Kingdom, and (b) A8 migrants who arrive after May 2011.

Answer: The worker registration scheme must end no later than 30 April 2011. On its termination, A8 nationals’ rights of residence as workers will no longer be linked to registration under the scheme. This will be the case irrespective of whether the A8 worker arrived before or after the date on which the scheme ends or whether the individual is currently registered under it at that point in time. Once the scheme has ended, A8 nationals will be treated in exactly the same way as other EU nationals. EU nationals, including A8 nationals, who make a claim for income-related benefits, social housing and homelessness assistance or housing support will be subject to the habitual residence test.

Secondary information