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Comment by duiker101 | Hacker News Reader

I'd like to disagree with you, it might be true that the media try to make you think you are special but the truth is different, I am an Italian that has recently moved to the UK and I found the transition EXCEPTIONALLY smooth. Really, it is like I moved to any other city in Italy, I had no problem with documents, registration or anything. You are welcome and is totally normal to move in/out.

EDIT: I speak of personal experience, I can't really talk too much about Eastern Europe people but I have met many people coming from there and I didn't hear any specific complains.

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As an American who lived in Italy in the 90s, it was a notable difference to me that people are legally required to carry papers. US law descends from English Law, and as I understand it, the different legal philosophy from continental Europe includes ideas about whether you are a citizen by your own rights as a person or whether those rights are conferred from the state or at least somehow authenticated by the state. (I'm probably getting the language wrong)

Anyway, the distinction is abstract, and probably has few real world implications, but legal requirements to carry identification, or to register your official residence are among them. It is also an issue that comes up when people are confused outside the US why we have issues around voter ID laws.

Though I can't speak to the ease of relacting between EU countries as an EU citizen, I can imagine that the UK could give the impression of being more open just because you don't necessarily have to enter an imposing building with door buzzers to obtain registration which might feel like you are having to ask permission.

I hear Romanian's and Bulgarian's don't get the same treatment (even though here in Cyprus without trying to stereotype they tend to abuse the system)

As with 90% of discrimination issues, it's about socio-economic status. A stereotypical Italian is comparatively "rich", stereotypical Romanians and Bulgarians are "poor".

This is an issue with the UK only and only for getting working permits. I'm not sure what kind of work permits though, as personally I would have no problem in getting hired by an UK company or finding a place to rent (I am Romanian); I guess it's for low-skilled jobs or something.

Also, starting with January 1st, 2014, this will no longer be an issue.

On people abusing the system, it happens. Don't worry though, as personally I'm not in a rush of moving or working in Cyprus, especially since the bank tax ;-)

I'd imagine it's a bit different from eastern Europe, sadly.

Actually Eastern Europeans can travel easily wherever they desire with a passport or a national ID card, no need for visas. Some countries are not using the Euro though, and it has protected them from the economic crisis to a degree.

I am from Albania (not part of EU, but trying to get in), and travel to Schengen treaty countries is easy. Just show with your passport and no visa is needed. Working and long term stay is another matter.

For the UK, and some countries that are not part of the accord, I do need to have a visa, and it is PITA. It usually involved going to embassy, paying some fee, providing documents, convincing the consular you are not doing anything shady, or going to overstay, or whatever. Not fun, especially if you are just trying to do a few days short visit.

Yes

I'm an UE citizen, and nowadays moving countries is almost like moving cities (Schengen Agreement is still a little bit different than the UE).

Except for the language, of course!

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