Romanian migrant: 'I don't have any reason to go home'

Victor Spiresau says he is "very happy" to be in the UK Credit: ITV News

Victor Spiresau was one of the first Romanian migrants to arrive in the UK after curbs preventing Romanians and Bulgarians working were lifted on January 1, 2014.

He was met by Home Affairs Select Committee chairman Keith Vaz at Luton Airport and spoke of his hopes to find a job in construction.

At the time, he said that he was not planning on settling in the UK, as life was "easier" in Romania.

"I don't want to stay here. I want to renovate my home and to make a good life in Romania because it's much easier to live in Romania because it's not expensive".

Nearly 18 months on, Victor is now self-employed and has secured regular work on a building site.

Victor now plans to stay in the UK now that he has established himself. Credit: ITV News

"I feel very welcome, I was excited on the first day when I arrived in the UK", he told ITV News.

"When I came, I planned to stay only three or four months but now I have my own company, I have my own job. I don't have any reason to go home", he added.

Victor said life in the UK is expensive but "if you are a hard worker...you can have a better life here".

When asked if overall he was happy he came, Victor said: "I'm excited to be honest, not happy, I'm very happy."

New figures from the Office for National Statistics today have revealed the number of EU citizens immigrating to the UK is at a record high.

  • 61% of EU citizens immigrating for work had a definite job offer.

  • 39% were intending to look for a job rather than taking up an offer of employment.