Portuguese Foreign Minister Diogo Freitas do Amaral has re-confirmed that
his country will open its doors to workers from the former communist EU
member states in May. During a trip to Prague on Monday, he said Czech
labourers will not be expected to sweep the streets but will rather take
up skilled jobs and enjoy the warm climate and the beach. Last year, some
16,000 Czech tourists visited Portugal; this calls for more Czech workers
in the tourist industry, he said.
In addition to Britain, Ireland, and Sweden, whose labour markets have
been open to workers from the EU's ten newest members since enlargement
two years ago, Finland, Portugal, and Spain will open theirs in May.
Greece, the Netherlands and Denmark have also indicated that they will
loosen their restrictions.