Portugal promises great jobs and beach to skilled workers

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.