Bulgarian, Romanian Roma Beggar Kids Reappear in Helsinki

Dozens of child beggars from Bulgaria and Romania, many of them under school-age, have reappeared on the streets of Finland's capital Helsinki, according to local media.

Roma children have not been seen begging in Helsinki since the city removed them from their minders' care a few years ago, YLE has reminded. However, the custody issue appears forgotten now.

According to the Helsinki Deaconess Institute, Roma from eastern Europe are now bringing their whole families to beg in Finland. Children's ages range from a few months to older ones who should be in school.

The Deaconess Institute says the Roma rent modest studio flats that may house up to dozens of families.

On Tuesday, Finland and Romania inked an agreement to tackle the city's beggar problem. Romania promised to send a civil servant to Finland to deal with the issue.

In recent years, Finnish cities have seen an influx of itinerant Roma, mainly from Romania and Bulgaria, many of who beg on the streets.

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