Immigration

Migration figures explode claims of east European invasion

Only 8,000 Romanians and Bulgarians came to work in Britain in the first three months after their countries joined the European Union on January 1, according to official figures published today.

Although ministers are being cautious, the figures appear to explode claims by anti-immigration groups that 300,000 would "flood in" from Romania and Bulgaria in the first 20 months of EU membership.

The Home Office figures show that 10,418 Romanians and Bulgarians applied for permission to work in Britain between January and March this year, of which 7,935 were granted. The figures include 2,660 who registered as self-employed and 200 who described themselves as "self-sufficient". About two-thirds were Romanian.

Not very surprising really, the same claims were made when countries like Poland joined, the tabloid press were going on about being 'flooded', but it was all bullshit.