Only 10 EU member states decided to open fully their labour markets for workers from Bulgaria and Romania.

All other countries imposed some restrictions, thus limiting the access of migrant workers from the two countries to some economic sectors, Bulgarian news agency BTA reported.

In most cases limitations would be valid for a period of two years, protecting local workers from the influx of foreigners willing to work for lower salaries, statistics showed.

Finland, Sweden, Poland, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovenia and Slovakia introduced 'open door' policies.

Italy and Hungary will open partially their labour markets.

Among the countries that accepted migrant workers after the 2004 enlargement wave but decided to restrict Bulgarians and Romanians are Ireland and the UK. Since May 2004 the UK welcomed 447 000 migrant workers. More than half of them came from Poland.

European Commission advocates the removal of trade barriers. According to its analyses, the migration of workers had positive effect on local economies.

According to Bulgaria and Romania's accession treaty, other EU member states have the right to limit the access of workers from the two countries to their labour market for a period of up to seven years.