HC Deb 02 February 2004 vol 417 cc705-6W
Mr. Hammond

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate his Department has made of the number of citizens of EU accession states likely to settle in the UK during the first year of those states' membership. [150081]

Beverley Hughes

Research conducted by University College London for the Home Office, published in June last year ("The impact of EU enlargement on migration flows", Home Office On-Line Report 25/03), estimates that the number of people expected to migrate to the UK from the new member states in the years following enlargement will not be significant. The research corroborates a number of other independent studies, which have been summarised in reports by the European Commission in 2000 and the former Department for Education and Employment in 1999. The estimates for those expected to migrate cover those coming to the UK for at least a year.

We will monitor the situation and the UK has the right to reintroduce restrictions on workers in the event of an unexpected impact on the standard of living or level of employment in a particular region or occupation.

Mr. Hammond

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what records will be kept of numbers of citizens of EU accession states entering the UK and intending to settle here after 1 May. [150082]

Beverley Hughes

From accession, nationals from new member states will be EU nationals and will be treated in the same way as current EU/EEA nationals. They will be admitted to the UK on production of a valid passport or identity card.

EU/EEA nationals can obtain settled status (permanent residence) in the UK only by demonstrating that they have been exercising treaty rights for a period of four years and have a residence permit. The Home Office keeps a record of both the number of residence permits granted and those who are granted permanent residence.