In 2022, 36 000 new immigrants obtained a residence permit longer than 12 months in Romania (excluding EU citizens), 56% more than in 2021. This figure comprises 76% labour migrants, 10% family members (including accompanying family), 9% who came for education reasons and 4% other migrants. Around 1 500 short-term permits were issued to international students and 3 700 to temporary and seasonal labour migrants (excluding intra-EU migration). In addition, 33 000 intra-EU postings were recorded in 2022, a 79% increase compared to 2021. These posted workers are generally on short-term contracts.
In 2023, the number of first asylum applicants decreased by ‑18%, to reach around 9 900. The majority of applicants came from Bangladesh (2 800), Syria (1900) and Pakistan (1 200). The largest increase since 2022 concerned nationals of Bangladesh (1 400) and the largest decrease nationals of Ukraine (‑4 300). Of the 6 190 decisions taken in 2023, 16% were positive.
Emigration of Romanian citizens to OECD countries increased by 9% in 2022, to 268 000. Approximately 36% of this group migrated to Germany, 18% to Spain and 12% to Italy.
In 2023 several legal instruments reflected Romania’s efforts to manage migration in compliance with European norms, while addressing specific domestic and international dynamics. The Action Plan for 2023‑24, under the 2021‑24 National Immigration Strategy, includes facilitation of legal migration and addressing labour market deficits while also attracting students and researchers from abroad. Regulatory efforts focused on aligning Romanian legislation with European regulations, including identity card security, and enhancing data exchange and co‑operation with Schengen member states to improve national security, border management, and law enforcement. In accordance with recommendations from the European Commission, a new law regarding the organisation and functioning of the National System under the Schengen Information System was designed to align Romania’s legal framework with European regulations regarding data exchange and co‑operation with Schengen member states. Romania joined the Schengen area in March 2024, with air and maritime border checks lifted, while land border checks remain in place.
Guidelines were established for representatives managing unaccompanied foreign minors seeking international protection. A government decision in April 2023 lays down the amount, conditions and mechanism for giving support and humanitarian assistance to foreign citizens or stateless persons in special situations, coming from the area of armed conflict in Ukraine with a later amendment clarifying the regime for foreign minors.
The Romanian Government has taken steps to address the labour shortages in diverse sectors. This includes increasing annual quotas and streamlining administrative procedures. The annual admission quotas for work permits were set at 100 000 in 2022, 2023 and again in 2024. The quota for 2022 fully subscribed in December of that year and the quota for 2023 was also fully exhausted. Demand from employers exceeds the quota. In 2023, there were about 124 000 applications for employment permits, down from 138 000 in 2022. However, the quota exceeds actual admissions because, until 2024, it included changes of employer as well as admissions, and because many authorisations never lead to entry due to long delays, refusals and abandon of the visa procedure.
From 2024, initial residence permit duration for work permit holders will be two years maximum, up from one year. Staff at the General Inspectorate for Immigration was expanded in November 2023 in part to address the increase in residence permit procedures.
The government announced the launch of an initiative under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan to develop a programme for attracting highly specialised human resources from abroad (including Romanian expatriates) to engage in research, development and innovation activities in Romania. A simplified procedure was introduced for issuing free practice permits for doctors from EEA member states who work temporarily in Romania. The maximum number of working hours authorised for international students was raised from 4 hours/day to 6 hours/day in February 2024.
Romania signed bilateral social security agreements with the United States, Italy and Montenegro in 2022‑23. It signed Memoranda of Understanding on labour and social security with Nepal in October 2023 and with Viet Nam in January 2024.
For further information: igi.mai.gov.ro/
