The prime ministers of Slovakia and the Czech Republic have said Britain will be able to keep access to the European Union's single market when it leaves the bloc only if it continues to allow its citizens to work in the UK.
Robert Fico and Bohuslav Sobotka made the statement after their meeting in the Slovak capital.
Standing side by side, they said they "can't imagine" their citizens would not be treated equally.
Mr Fico, whose country currently holds the EU's rotating presidency, said Slovakia "will fight hard" for some 70,000 Slovak citizens' rights in Britain.
Mr Sobotka said it is necessary for the EU to stand united in negotiations for the future cooperation with Britain.