Coming from another country to work in the UK
The UK Coalition Government in 2010 was very clear that it wanted to set strict limits on the number of people who can come and work in the UK from non - EU countries. If you are not from an EU country and you want to work in the UK you will need to take specialist advice and be able to show that you have some specialist skill which your employers needs and which cannot be found from within the current UK workforce. As you can see, this makes it very difficult, if not impossible, to come and work in the UK in the care sector at a low level. It will help if you have a job offer before you try to enter the country, but there is an absolute limit set each year for the number of skilled workers allowed in and once that is reached, no more non-EU workers will be allowed in.
Regulations change quite frequently as this is a politically sensitive area in many countries in Europe. Before deciding to come and work here you should always take up to date advice and consult the Home Office website (see below) or ask the British Embassy or Consulate in your country for advice.
If you are a worker from a country within the EU then the EU principle of freedom to work in any country applies, but there are still some requirements which you must fulfill. For full details of this visit the Home Office website http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/eucitizens/
Under some circumstances, depending on where you come from, you may need to register under the worker registration scheme.
Worker Registration Scheme
This extract from the Home office website explains what the Worker Registration Scheme (WRS) is and who needs to apply.
If you are a national of the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia or Slovenia and want to work for one month or more for a United Kingdom employer you must register under the WRS.
For full details on the requirements to register under the WRS and for information on how to register you should read the Worker Registration Scheme section.
Once you have been working legally in the United Kingdom for 12 months without a break you will have full rights of free movement and will no longer need to register on the WRS. You can then get a registration certificate confirming your right to live and work in the United Kingdom, although you are not obliged to do so. Details on how to apply for registration certificate are on the applying page.
If you come from Bulgaria or Romania there are some addition restrictions for a transitional period.
Bulgarian and Romanian nationals
This page from the Home office website explains the restrictions on Bulgarian and Romanian nationals taking employment in the United Kingdom.
If you are a Bulgarian or Romanian national you are free to come to the United Kingdom to live. You will need to be able to support yourself and your family in the United Kingdom without becoming an unreasonable burden on public funds.
If you want to work as an employee in the United Kingdom you will need our permission before you start work. Details of the type of work you can take and how to apply for permission to work can be found in the Bulgarian and Romanian nationals section.
Once you have been working legally as an employee in the United Kingdom for 12 months without a break you will have full rights of free movement and will no longer need our permission to take work. You can then get a registration certificate confirming your right to live and work in the United Kingdom, although you are not obliged to do so. Details on how to apply for registration certificate can be found on the applying page.
You do not need our permission if you are working in a self-employed capacity. However, you can apply for a registration certificate to confirm your right to work as a self-employed person in the United Kingdom if you wish. More details are on the applying page.
If you are a student in the United Kingdom, you may take employment for up to 20 hours a week during term time and full-time work during vacation periods from your course but you must first obtain a registration certificate confirming that you are a student. More details are on the applying page.
This page was updated on 3rd October 2011. Please do not rely upon it being completely up to date and consult the Government websites first.