By David Bowden, Senior News Correspondent
Romanian job seekers will not invade Britain despite curbs on them coming to the UK ending, an adviser to the Romanian Prime Minister has told Sky News.
Senator Damian Draghici, who is from a Roma family, accused those warning there would be a tide of Romanians and Bulgarians taking advantage of relaxed work restrictions of covering up failed policies at home.
He told Sky News: "I believe it's more of a political game or a way to blow things out of proportion, I don't think Romanians are going to invade England."
The outspoken politician added: "They are the voices of political extremists trying to cover up for unsatisfied public policies."
The UK imposed the seven-year restrictions on Romania and Bulgaria after they joined the EU in 2007, only allowing citizens a visa if they were self-employed, had a job offer, or were given a specialist role.
But from January 1, Romanians and Bulgarians are entitled to come to the UK for work and will be able to claim benefits like other EU citizens.
It has prompted fears of an influx of immigrants and David Cameron moved to counter concerns with a series of measures including banning migrants from claiming benefits for three months and making foreigners pay for NHS treatment.
Mr Draghici also had a message for Mr Cameron, wishing him a Happy New Year and issuing an invite to him. He told Sky News: "Why don't you come over?"
Damian Draghici says Britain is 'playing a political game' The Conservative leader of Westminster Council, Philippa Roe, has claimed the arrival of Bulgarians and Romanians would add to the burden on council taxpayers.
She said central London had a problem with Roma "causing a massive amount of disruption and low-level crime".
But in Bucharest's Berceni market, as stallholders prepared for the last shoppers of 2013, there was no real interest from anyone Sky News spoke to in spending 2014 working in the UK.
One man working on a fruit stall said: "My country is more beautiful, so not for the moment, but it's a nice idea."
A woman market trader said: " I make my money here, I have my relatives and my friends here, I feel at home here, I would never go."
A middle-aged man said: "Myself, I'd never consider it, I'm happy here. If somebody wants to work then then they'll find it anywhere, you don't need to go to Britain."
Mihai Fertig is the chief operating officer of the Romanian arm of the biggest coaching group in Europe.
He already runs three services a week to the UK, but he's not expecting a rush for seats to London.
He said: "No not really, we aren't enthusiastic. I think the main part of the people who want to work abroad are already there.
"We expect, because of the opening of the market, that the bookings will increase maybe 10%."
Mihai Fertig says he is not expecting a rush for seats Most people in Romania do not understand what all the fuss is about in the UK, and most doubt the predictions that tens of thousands will flock to Britain seeking work.
They are more concerned with the so called "brain drain" of young qualified Romanians, especially doctors and nurses, that have already left to work in other countries since their homeland joined the EU seven years ago.
Analysts in Romania estimate there are between three and four million Romanians already working abroad, a small proportion of around 250,000 in the UK.
A University College London report in November found that immigrants had contributed £25bn to the UK economy between 2000 and 2011 - significantly more than they had claimed in handouts.
They were also, it said, 45% less likely to receive benefits than British people.
:: Watch Sky News live on television, on Sky channel 501, Virgin Media channel 602, Freeview channel 82 and Freesat channel 202.
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