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14 January 2025

Romania: Exploratory study on labour immigration

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This report, authored by the Romanian Centre for Comparative Migration Studies, provides a comprehensive overview of the dynamics of labour immigration to Romania from a rights-based perspective, taking into account the political and legal context, trends in the labour market, and immigrants’ individual experiences.

The main objectives in creating the report were to identify key trends, support evidence-based policymaking, and provide NGOs with the information needed to better advocate for the rights and well-being of immigrant workers.

The research combines data analysis from different sources (the General Inspectorate for Immigration, the Romanian National Institute of Statistics, Eurostat etc.) with review of legislation and policies and semi-structured interviews, focus groups, case studies, and participant observation. Qualitative methods targeted the main actors involved in labour migration to the country: public institutions, employers and outsourcing companies, NGOs and IGOs, as well as labour migrants from South Asia themselves.

During the last 5 years, labour shortages in Romania have been reflected in a higher contingent of third-country national (TCN) migrant workers admitted to the labour market, particularly from Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Turkey. The majority of foreign workers in Romania are of working age, predominantly male. Most are employed in so-called 'unskilled' positions in the retail, hospitality, and construction sectors. Some have remained in the same position since their arrival, whereas many others have held more than one job. Many state that they plan to remain in Romania, are considering applying for family reunification or further education, and are interested in making the most of various opportunities that could facilitate their integration, especially language training. 

Despite the changes in legislation that allow for a more flexible admission procedure, there are still restrictive regulations and regional disparities in foreign workers’ distribution. The work permit regulations that bind migrant workers to a specific employer for the duration of their first stay can create structural vulnerabilities and power imbalances. Migrants can be caught between competing interests: the companies that are involved in the programmes and request the work permits, their home country governments, and the Romanian Government. The lack of accountability from intermediaries (recruitment companies) and employers could lead to a gap in protection and a serious risk of abuse.

Key conclusions:

The existence of agreements for admission workers with Asian countries, such as Nepal, Sri Lanka and India, the legal framework on labour migration, and the recruitment practices are shaping the migration trends in Romania. The trend of increasing foreign labour presence in Romania is expected to continue, driven by ongoing labour market demands and economic conditions. The migrant workers are predominantly employed in construction, manufacturing, and the hospitality sector, and are concentrated in the economically developed regions of the country that provide more employment opportunities: Bucharest and Ilfov, Timis, Cluj, Brasov and Constanta.

Although Romania offers several advantages to foreign workers, such as relatively accessible visa processes and benefits including free accommodation and access to integration activities, challenges persist. These include issues related to job satisfaction, exploitation, and discrimination. The study stresses the need for additional safeguards in labour legislation and integration policies to ensure that foreign workers are better protected and that employers and recruitment companies are held accountable.

Recommendations:

  • Strengthen legal protections: improve the enforcement of labour laws and hold accountable the employers and recruitment companies involved in exploitation.
  • Enhance support services: provide better access to information, social services and language training for migrant workers.
  • Address discriminatory practices: prohibit discrimination in accessing health services and ensure fair health screenings during the recruitment process.
  • Professional training courses: provide professional training and Romanian language courses for migrant workers, in collaboration with employers, employment agencies and training centres.
Study on Labour Immigration in Romania
English
(3.86 MB - PDF)
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Details

Authors
Anatolie Coșciug (coord.), Andriana Coșciug, Alexandra Porumbescu, Viktoriia Kyrychenko, Andreea Mercea, Alexandra Adamescu
Geographic area
Romania
Contributor type
Academics and experts
Original source
Posted by
Luciana Lazarescu
Country Coordinator

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