Romania and Bulgaria joined the EU on 1 January 2007. A workers registration scheme was developed for nationals of these countries, but it is different to the scheme that applies for
A8 nationals. It is necessary to obtain a registration document before starting work and the types of work that Romanian and Bulgarian nationals are allowed to do are limited.
There is an equivalent of the Highly Skilled Migrants Programme (HSMP), without any English language requirement, and an equivalent of the work permits scheme. There are equivalents of the other work-related immigration categories, such as sole representatives or au pairs. Opportunities for low-skilled workers outside special categories are limited to seasonal agricultural work and work in the food-processing industry and there is a maximum limit on the number of jobs that will be given in these areas.
Self-employment is not affected; there is no special registration for self-employed, just the normal self-employment requirements that apply to anyone in the UK. There are some limitations on the rights of family members to work in the UK. After a year of registered work, workers can apply for a registration card and are then entitled to all the rights of EU nationals.