An unexpected ethical issue arose when Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria joined the European Union (EU). The start of the free movement of workers across the EU meant that workers from these countries could effectively undercut the domestic workforce. Wages in Eastern Europe were considerably lower than in its Western counterparts, but recruitment agencies are actively hired to help businesses reduce salary and wage bills. For example, with unemployment being relatively high in France, the UK, and Spain, recruiters offer high-quality workers a fraction of the domestic rates. Locals are being priced out of the job market.

5-1. Do you think the Eastern Europeans are being exploited by the recruitment agencies?

5-2. Should a country ever adopt a “locals first” policy in terms of employment opportunity? Does legal migration only imply flooding lucrative job markets?