Knocking on Europe's back door

The number of Moldavans living here has nearly doubled in the past two years. They may come from outside the EU, but there's a loophole enabling them to gain illegal entry into the country via neighbouring Romania. Theirs is a how-to study in climbing the walls of Fortress Europe.

The number of Moldovans living in the UK has increased by forty per cent in the last two years - and it's estimated up to half of them are here illegally.

Figures obtained by More4 News show between January and October 2005 there were 10,000 Moldovans living in Britain - but over the same period this year - that's soared to 14,000.

Part of the Soviet Union until 1991- Moldova is not a member of the European Union. But by applying for citizenship of neighbouring Romania - which IS now an EU member - Moldovans can seek work in the UK.

From the Moldovan capital, Chisinau - Katie Brown has this special report.

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