Search
Contact
Login
Share this article
IMPACT – MEDIUM
What is the change? The U.K. will not extend work permission requirements for Croatian nationals when the restrictions expire on June 30.
What does the change mean? On July 1, Croatian nationals will enjoy full access to the U.K. labor market in the manner of other EU nationals.
Background: Croatia joined the EU in 2013. Under transitional provisions, the U.K. opted to restrict labor access since that time. Legally, the U.K. could continue to impose restrictions for another two years. According to a statement the U.K. Immigration Minister, Caroline Noakes made to the European Commission on Monday, low unemployment rates and the strong forecasted growth of the Eurozone and Croatia do not justify extending the restrictions. Under EU rules, a country must show that “serious labor market disturbance” would occur if restrictions are removed.
Under current restrictions, Croatian nationals are required to obtain work authorization from the Home Office before taking up work in the U.K. After one year of employment, they are free to work without restrictions. Croatian partners and spouses of British nationals and other settled nationals in the U.K. are exempt from such work permission.
BAL Analysis: The removal of restrictions will benefit Croatian nationals and the companies that employ them in the U.K. with respect to the time it has taken to sponsor these individuals in the U.K. as well as the cost involved.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group in the United Kingdom. For additional information, please contact uk@bal.com.
Copyright © 2018 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.
A regulation that will increase U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services filing fees, change premium processing time frames and require…
The Department of Homeland Security has announced the extension and redesignation of Myanmar for Temporary Protected Status for 18 months,…
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced Thursday that it would extend the H-1B cap registration period to Monday. Key Points:…
New Zealand has taken action to increase its minimum wage for seasonal workers, create a new Ukraine Resident Visa, and…