British Ambassador to Bulgaria, Jonathan Allan. Photo by BGNES
UK is getting ready to lift its existing labor restrictions for Bulgarians and Romanians – and does not fear an influx, British Ambassador to Bulgaria, Jonathan Allan, has declared.
Allen has assured that Bulgarians and Romanians are treated no differently than any other EU citizens in his country.
The Ambassador told the Bulgarian National Television that young and well-educated Bulgarians are expected to arrive in the UK after the restrictions are eased at the end of 2013.
Citing a report of the independent National Institute of Economic and Social Research, Allen noted that Bulgarians and Romanians are likely to head towards Spain, Italy and Germany instead of the UK.
The report has refuted claims that a flood of Romanians and Bulgarians will place massive strain on public services once the labor restrictions are removed.
The analysis came after UK Prime Minister David Cameron announced moves to prevent immigrants – including new arrivals from Romania and Bulgaria – abusing free health care and the benefits system and jumping the housing queue.
Controversial claims have been made by a number of British tabloids and politicians that the UK should brace for a massive"influx" of Bulgarian and Romanian migrants after the end of 2013. It has been claimed that lifting the restriction would "put pressure" on housing, infrastructure, schools, and heath care.