§ Bob SpinkTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what tests he will use to determine whether immigrants from Eastern European countries are eligible for immediate access to(a) benefits, (b) NHS treatment and (c) education following accession to the EU in May. [153095]
§ Beverley HughesAs a result of the measures we announced on 23 February, nationals of the accession states (other than Cyprus and Malta) will be eligible for income-related benefits only if they have worked lawfully in the UK for a continuous period of 12 months. This restriction will apply for two years and may be extended. Those in work on a low income will be entitled to the normal work-related benefits.
From 1 May EU-wide reciprocal health rules will apply to the accession states. Temporary visitors from these states can access immediately necessary treatment but their home state will have to pay the bill. There will be no automatic entitlement to free treatment for pre-existing conditions unless the home country authorises and pays for that care.
Anyone who is deemed to be "ordinarily resident" in the UK, that is to say that they are living lawfully here for settled purposes, is entitled to receive free NHS care. People from accession states working here legally will therefore be entitled to the full range of NHS treatment free of charge along with all other residents.
Nationals from the accession states will be eligible for education as are nationals of existing EU states.