'Who's afraid of EU enlargement'?
New report explodes migrant workers myths
Far from being stampeded by hordes of unwelcome Polish plumbers, the European countries that opened their borders to workers from new EU member states after the Union enlarged on 1 May 2004 have benefited from immigration, according to a new report launched today in the European Parliament in
France, the country in which debate about the supposed influx of plumbers from Poland played a large part in the public rejection of the European constitution, issued only 875 permanent work permits and 737 temporary work permits to Polish nationals in the period 1 May 2004 – 31 March 2005 (compared to Ireland, which registered 36,856 Polish workers between May 2004 and July 2005). The
Speaking at the launch of the report today, Jean Lambert, UK Green coordinator of the employment committee, said
"This report presents a direct challenge to the myths of free movement. Far from being overwhelmed by Polish plumbers (or any nationality), we see workers from new Member States filling jobs in shortage areas, doing work others won't do and making a valuable economic contribution."
"They do this despite all the barriers put in their way and poorly understood and administered regulations that would drive most of us mad – or home! Member states should recognise that our workforce is our future and remove the barriers to free movement which treat too many citizens as a threat not an asset."
The report uses factual and statistical evidence from national statistical offices, Ministries of Labour, consulates, academics and experts. It recommends that the UK Presidency takes the lead in pushing forward the idea that the countries which implemented transitional arrangements to limit immigration from new EU member states phase out these measures as soon as possible. It also urges the European Parliament to organise a public hearing and for the European Commission and national governments to launch an information and communication campaign to provide objective information on immigration and labour needs.
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For more information about ECAS or specific questions about report please contact ECAS Press and Communication Officer Caroline Gonthier, on Tel: +32 2 548 98 23, Email: c.gonthier@ecas.org, Web: www.ecas.org
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Press service of the Greens/EFA group
in the European Parliament