Rights of A2 nationals

If you are an A2 national then you are free to enter the UK. However, your ability to work and access council housing, homelessness assistance and benefits is restricted. These restrictions last until 31 December 2013. 

The restrictions do not apply if you are self employed, a student or self sufficient. In these cases you will have the same rights as other European Economic Area (EEA) nationals.   

The Authorised Work Scheme

If you do want to work in the UK then you have to be issued with an Accession Worker Card (AWC) before starting work. An AWC will normally only be issued if you are going to work in food processing or seasonal agriculture work. If you work without the correct authorisation, then you may be committing a criminal offence.  

Exemptions from the Authorised Work Scheme

You will be exempt from having to apply for an AWC if you come under one of the following:

• you are a highly skilled migrant who has been issued with a registration certificate which includes a statement that you have unconditional access to the UK labour market
• you have indefinite leave to remain in the UK, granted before 1 January 2007 (this also applies to your spouse, civil partner and children under the age of 18)
• you have been legally working in the UK for a continuous period of 12 months by 31 December 2006
• you have completed 12 months continuous and authorised, work in the UK
• you have a permanent right to reside in the UK
• you are a student working less than 20 hours a week and you are in possession of a registration certificate confirming that you has access to the labour market
• you are the spouse, civil partner or dependent (who is under the age of 21) of an A2 national who has satisfied worker authorisation criteria.

Will I get help?

You are eligible for local authority housing, homelessness assistance and housing benefit if:

• you are working and authorised or exempt from authorisation
• you are self-employed
• you applied for housing assistance in Scotland before 7 August 2008 (then you will be eligible for housing and homelessness assistance, but not benefits).
• you are a family member of any of the above.

Use the Advice Services Directory to find agencies in your area that may be able to help you.