Romania and Bulgaria join EU

The Home Office is trying to discourage people in Romania and Bulgaria travelling to Britain without work permits.The countries become members of the European Union on New Year's Day and there are concerns their accession will lead to a surge of migrant workers.The Government has introduced labour restrictions in an effort to prevent a repeat of the influx of Polish workers following the last EU enlargement.A £280,000 advertising campaign has been launched on television, radio, posters and leaflets.One hoarding in the Romanian capital Bucharest says: "Don't come to Britain without a work permit."A television advert in Bulgaria shows a worker arriving at Sofia airport for a flight to Britain, but he cancels his plans after reading a sign that says: "Even after January 1 you will need a permit to work in the UK."The campaign was launched on December 14 and will last until March 30.A Home Office spokesman said: "It's in everyone's interest to ensure that people from Bulgaria and Romania clearly understand the rules we are putting in place."This will help to ensure that people won't arrive here under the illusion that they will be able to enter jobs straight away or to claim benefits."© Independent Television News Limited 2006. All rights reserved.

ITN | December 31, 2006

Tags:. .lead. .putting. .place. .travelling. .under