Romania and Bulgaria joining the EU?

Question

It was predicted by the British media, especially The Sun, that when Romania and Bulgaria joined the EU on 1st Jan this year that a flood of immigrants would arrive in the UK. Can anyone tell me roughtly how many from each of there countries have actually arrived in the UK seeking work. I am a British subject living in Bulgaria and have doubted these press comments from the start

Answer 1

Hi glad to read u are living in my country. I think that the tabloids just wanted to attract more readers and that's all. Everything is exaggerated. People who wanted to emigrate did that during the 90's.
Greetings from София :)

Answer 2

It's the idea of our roadways jammed with horses and carts which worries me! More seriously, even I, as a pro-EU, immigrant-friendly person, have to admit that both Bulgaria and Romania worry me. I don't think substantial immigration is an option, because Bulgaria is notable for having mafia and other criminal connections, which has seen a lot of contract killings of senior politicians and state officials. Corruption is also a way of life in Bulgaria. Romania also has a massive HIV problem, which is not the fault of the sufferers, but of the previous communist regime, who imported cheap HIV infected blood supplies without adequate safeguards. At a practical level, that is potentially crippling to our health service resources. There are also large numbers of gypsies which even the Romanians and Bulgarians would be glad to get rid of, but I do not know too much about this. I think this is one area where we need to be re-assured and protected by a re-thinking of official immigration policy, for we need to tread very warily indeed. These two countries represent a very different immigrant problem to other countries such as Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia and the Czech Republic; all of which are much more civilised, better educated and well-governed. That said, I'm sure there are many splendid Bulgarians and Romanians, and the one Romanian gentleman I knew was excellent. Worrying!

Answer 3

It's not even the end of January, so you will have to wait at least 6 months for that answer.

If you look at statistics from the members who joined in 2004, you'll find that quite a few have come over. Given the economic situation in Romania and Bulgaria, it would make sense to expect similar levels.

I would also not characterize these people as immigrants. Many are there for 2-3 years, and have no plans on bringing their families over.

Answer 4

Actually the number of Romanians arriving in Britain after January 1st was nowhere near what the tabloids were predicting. Romanians prefered to seek employment in Spain, Italy or Germany. I don't know the exact numbers, but I did hear on the news that Britain needs more Romanians now for vacant jobs... after all that drama!

Answer 5

Thank you for your question.
As I know from romanian media on the 1st january there were a "flood" of 4 romanian citizens ariving to U.K., 3 students and 1 I.T. specialist, if I remember well.

Answer 6

Yes. In 1st January 2007.
DA . PE intai Ianuarie 2007.