As of May 1st 2011, nationals of Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania - the so-called A8 countries which joined the EU in 2004 - are no longer restricted in their access to labor markets and state support systems across the European Union.
For example, taken in the UK context, this means that restrictions on access to work, housing rights and social benefits for A8 nationals have ceased to operate. They effectively now enjoy the same rights as other European Union nationals living in the UK.
Under the 2004 Accession Agreement, the 15 pre-existing EU member states were permitted to introduce transitional restrictions on A8 nationals, relating to their right to work and access state support on their territories. The UK was one of just three states to open its labor markets to A8 nationals in 2004. Other states were more cautious, maintaining tight restrictions on A8 workers for fear of labor market disruption for the first few years. By April 2011, Germany and Austria were the only EU countries to remain closed to A8 migrant workers.
As of May 1, 2011 the EU countries of Austria, Germany and UK removed work permit requirements for the following A8 nationals: Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
EFTA-member country Switzerland has removed most traditional work permit restrictions for A8 nationals who are localized to Swiss payroll.
