Netherlands To Grant Work Permits To Romanians, Bulgarians Only In Exceptional Cases

The measure, which was put forward by Labor Minister Henk Kamp, was adopted by the Dutch Parliament despite warnings from the European Union that it might violate free movement rights.

EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion Laszlo Andor said that, restricting the free movement of Romanians and Bulgarians impacts the European labor market.

The Netherlands is one of the ten EU member states which have kept work restrictions for Romanian and Bulgarian citizens after the two east European countries joined the European Union in 2007.

Starting January 1, 2014, labor market restrictions for Romanians and Bulgarians will be lifted.