Italy lifted work restrictions for Romanians from January 1, 2012, according to Romania’s Ministry of Labour, Family and Social Protection. “We are happy with the Italian government's decision. By removing the restrictions imposed on Romanian and Bulgarian workers, the Italian executive sent an important message,  in agreement with the values ​​and fundamental rights of the European Union,” said Sulfina Barbu, the Labour Minister.

The Italian government decided to apply transitory dispositions for Romanian citizens from January 1, 2007. According to the latest data from the Italian National Statistics Institute, over 960,000 Romanians live and work in Italy.

Germany, France, Luxembourg and Austria also lifted their restrictions for Romanian workers, while Ireland, UK, and the Netherlands announced that they will extend the restrictions until 2013.

Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com

(photo source: Sxc.hu)