Discouraging unemployed EU migrants from settling in Britain is being examined as part of David Cameron’s vow to “fix” immigration from Europe.
Only migrants with proof that they have the means to support themselves would be able to stay permanently.
The idea, said to be based on rules in Croatia, emerged as the prime minister hit back at accusations that his pandering to Eurosceptics was leading Britain towards an EU exit. Under the Croatian-style system, EU workers would have to prove that they had housing and could support themselves if they wished to stay more than three months. However, the same restrictions may have to be placed on British workers hoping to move to other EU countries.
The prime minister was criticised by José Manuel