International Agency for Source Country Information says preventing Romanians and Bulgarians from working forces them into black market and leads them to stay longer
The government's restrictions on Romanians working in the UK actually encourage them to stay and bring their families, according to research carried out for the British embassy.
An unpublished survey of Romanians who have moved to the UK reveals how Britain's policy to restrict migrants who want to work is conflicting with its aims. By making it more difficult for Romanians and Bulgarians to attain their financial targets the government merely delays their return home, analysis conducted in Romania and given to the British embassy suggests.
Under the current restrictions, only highly skilled workers and some agricultural workers can work legally in the UK. A growing number of Tory MPs, with the backing of London's mayor, Boris Johnson, wish to see those curbs - due to be lifted in January 2014 - kept in place. However, research by the International Agency for Source Country Information requested by the British embassy and seen by the Observer suggests the current restrictions are working against Britain's policy goal.
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