UK citizens ‘would face EU curbs’
Reports had suggested changes could be rushed in before Bulgarian and Romanian citizens gain full rights to move to the UK at the end of the year, amid concern about “welfare tourism”.
Ministers were said to be considering making immigrants wait for up to a year after settling in the UK before being able to seek hospital care.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe proposed changes could form part of a drive to restrict immigrants’ access to benefits, council homes and public services. But it is understood any restrictions would have to be based on residency, rather than nationality – meaning British nationals might also be required to prove their entitlement.
However, the spokesman rejected suggestions that people might be required to show “entitlement cards”.