High refusal rate for EC Association Agreement applications to the UK

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Last year saw the suspension of EC Association Agreement applications for citizens of Bulgaria and Romania wishing to work in the UK. This was reintroduced on 1 September 2004.

We have heard from reliable sources that the refusal rate for these sorts of applications at British Embassies and Consulates in Romania and Bulgaria is about ninety percent.

Under the agreement, this visa category is for Bulgarians and Romanians wishing to come to the UK to start a business. The business can be of any size and may even employ just yourself. The applicant must work full time in the running of the business.

Due to the high refusal rate, i

t is recommended that alternatives such as HSMP or the work permit scheme be considered instead for Bulgarians and Romanians.