By the end of 2006 all EU member countries have to say whether they plan to impose restrictions on worker migration from Bulgaria and Romania, once the two countries become EU member states.

A report of Capital weekly said that countries like Spain and Germany already announced that they will limit worker migration from the two new member states.

All restrictions can remain effective the latest by 2014. Capital reported that a number of EU member states are expected to drop all limitations as early as 2009.

EU countries have the right to limit worker migrations but cannot impose any restrictions on business trips, Capital reported. In case a Western company plans to hire workers from the newly accepted member states it can do so for a period of up to six months.

Bulgarian companies operating in EU member states also have the right to 'import' workers from their country of origin.

The only condition for the hiring of Bulgarian workers by Bulgarian companies operating in EU countries is the following of local social regulations and the provision of the local minimal wages, Capital reported.

Capital reported that Bulgarian workers can use other means to find employment in EU member countries. Among these is the setting up of own business and finding a local employer, while travelling in EU member countries.