Fines for employing Romanian and Bulgarian Workers

From 1 January 2007, Romanians and Bulgarians can come to live in the UK without a visa. However, the UK is restricting low-skilled workers, from these countries, to its existing quota-based schemes which fill vacancies in the food processing and agricultural sectors. Skilled workers can continue to work in the UK if they get a work permit, qualify under the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme, are a student, or are self-employed. Companies employing a Romanian or Bulgarian worker without a permit could face an on-the-spot fine of £1,000. Employers breaking the law could incur a fine up to £5,000.