abode” in the UK — this means that they have rights to the same treatment as British citizens although they cannot hold a British passport and do not have the right of free movement in the EU.

Those Commonwealth citizens without a right of abode need permission to enter the UK.

Immigration from the EU/EEA

Some 3.7 million people living in the UK are citizens of another EU country. This represents 6% of the population. Polish is the largest EU nationality in the UK, followed by Romanian and Irish nationals.

One of the potential problems identified for the post-Brexit period is the shortage of necessary labour in production-based industries; for example, the need for seasonal workers from Eastern Europe in the agricultural sector, particularly pickers in summer.

Agreement over the rights of EUImmigration Act 2016 also introduced a new criminal offence of being an illegal worker. From 12 July 2016, this offence carries a custodial sentence of up to six months or an unlimited fine. The illegal worker’s wages may be seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

Reporting (“naming and shaming”)

Since 10 February 2012, the Home Office has published quarterly reports detailing the penalties given to people or organisations who employ illegal workers. In the 2015–2016 financial year, civil penalties were issued to 2594 employers who had used illegal workers.

Tips for employers for compliance

The Home Office suggests that employers follow three “simple steps” in checking the right of someone from outside the EEA to work in the UK.

Obtain the employee’s original identity documents listed in the Home Office guidance