BG WORKERS IN UK?
The UK foreign and home offices have been arguing over whether to open the local labour market to Bulgarian and Romanian workers. The home office insists that the current restrictions should be prolonged by a year, whereas the foreign office wants restrictions lifted immediately. British immigration authorities have estimated that an open-door policy for the latest European Union newcomers would result in an influx of between 40 000 and 300 000 workers. The UK was among the three EU member states to leave its labour market doors open for the 10 countries that joined the EU in 2004. That decision created unexpectedly high immigrant numbers, which overburdened the local social security system. For this reason, the home office wants to first introduce a points system for immigrants before letting Bulgarian and Romanian workers into the local market. The system is due to be launched in April. The UK foreign office, for its part, believes opening the local market will not create a large immigrant wave.
TAX EVASION IN GREECE
In its first bill the new Greek government will seek to tackle corruption and tax evasion. Hopes are that the draft legislation will get parliamentary approval before the vote on the Budget Bill 2008, scheduled for the end of November this year. According to a report by NGO Transparency International, Greece is among the countries plagued by corruption. A high-profile row saw the countrys labour minister resign in April 2007 over the siphoning off of 4.8 million euro from state pension funds. The bill sees lavish rebates for all tax evaders to have confessed doing so. Other changes see the waiver of first home taxes and fees, as well as the introduction of a one per cent inheritance fee instead of the current inheritance tax.
LEADERS THEFT
The World Bank and the United Nations released a report on September 24 measuring funds drained by country leaders in emerging states. Indonesias Haji Mohammad Surahto topped the chart, he was alleged of embezzling between 15 and 35 billion US dollars during his 1967-1989 rule. Second was the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos. The leader is said to have drained about $10 billion between 1972 and 1986. Former Yugoslavia leader Slobodan Milosevic is alleged to have robbed the state of $1 billion. Ukraines former PM Pavel Lazarenko has earned a top 10 placement with the embezzlement of $200 million in 1996-1997. The sum equalled 0.4 per cent of GDP. According to UN data, tax evasion and corruption worldwide have resulted in an annual theft of between $1 trillion and $1.6 trillion.
EU OPENS TO WESTERN BALKANS
The European Union and Albania, Bosnia, Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia have signed visa agreements, which will lift several visa restrictions for citizens of the Balkan states. The agreements will come into force in January next year and will be valid only for the countries within the Schengen agreement. Students, business people and journalists will enjoy a simplified visa issue procedure at half the regular cost of about 70 euros. In return, the Balkan states have agreed to support the EU in its fight against illegal immigration.
