Brussels, 04/03/2008 (Agence Europe) - Switzerland moved a step closer to opening its labour market to Romanian and Bulgarian workers when it initialled a protocol in Brussels, on Friday 29 February, agreeing to the free circulation of nationals from these two countries. The Swiss parliament is expected to endorse this on 28 April 2008 or later in the year. The protocol is scheduled to come into force in 2009 following possible referendums on the issue. When applied, the law will allow Switzerland to restrict the access of Bulgarian and Romanian workers to the labour market for seven years (quotas, prioritising Swiss workers, and controls over pay and working conditions). A gradual rise in admissions quotas has been agreed with, in the first year; 362 residence permits and 3620 temporary visas for Bulgarians and Romanians wishing to work in Switzerland, rising to 1207 residence permits and 11,664 temporary visas in the seventh year after the protocol comes into force. A safeguard clause stipulates that at the end of the seven-year transition period, Switzerland may decide to reintroduce quotas for three years in the event of mass immigration from Bulgaria and Romania. (B.C.)