PARIS, Aug. 23 (UPI) -- The French government loosened policies about hiring Roma following backlash from deportation of the immigrants and the burning of their camps.
The restrictions had been in place in France and seven other countries to discourage immigration from Bulgaria and Romania after the two countries were admitted to the European Union, Radio France International reported.
A fee that employers paid if they wished to employ Bulgarians or Romanians will be dropped, the government announced Wednesday. In addition, a "significant" number of jobs will be added to the list of jobs the immigrants can apply for.
French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault earlier met with nine ministers to coordinate more progressive actions such as providing housing and education to ensure Roma evicted from camps have alternate housing and social support.
He proposed the changes after an international uproar this summer after Interior Minister Manuel Valls approved the clearance of two Roma camps and deportation of a number of Roma.
