Author
Given that detention of asylum seekers in the specifically designed closed spaces of Regional Centres is not used in practice, the following section focuses on conditions in detention (“public custody”) centres.
Public custody centres are managed by the IGI Migration Directorate. According to the Aliens Ordinance, the centres are established, organised, sanitary authorised and equipped to provide adequate accommodation, food, medical care and personal hygiene.[1]
As of 2022, the situation was the following: The representative of Arad centre emphasised the lack of administrative staff, police officers and of nurses as an issue. At the time of the author’s visit there were three nurses hired, of whom one was on medical leave for more than 90 days. During 2022 there were two medical nurses and as of 14 May 2022 there were three. The nurses had been working 12 hours per day until June 2022 and as of June 24 hours with 72 hours rest. The working schedule was also adapted to the actual needs. The centre has a medical doctor contracted through a service provider contract. The doctor is present in the centre 3 hours per day on weekdays. Some of the interviewed detainees declared that some of the police officers have no English language skills. The author noticed during the interviews that most of the foreign nationals detained in Arad had a basic grasp of the English language. Communication with some of them was very hard; it was hard for the foreigner nationals to understand basic questions. The representatives of both centres stated that they received a translation device, which allows them to discuss issues with the migrants. The device is similar to Google translate. The representative of Arad centre said it is used for written communication, while the director of Otopeni stated that it is used for oral communication.
The director of Otopeni stated that they manage to communicate with foreign nationals in English or by using this new device. Nevertheless, they need interpreters to communicate with detainees.
One of the foreigners detained in Arad interviewed by the author reported that, while he was on hunger strike, the police officers tried to beat him in order to convince him to eat. He stated that he was beaten three times. He was pushed and kicked. Another foreign national interviewed by the author stated that the police officers are violent towards some of the detainees. A foreign national interviewed by the author in Otopeni also declared that a police officer in Arad hit him in the back without a reason. The director of Arad stated that there were many issues linked to this: the majority of detainees in Arad are from Algeria and Morocco, they stay for longer periods in Arad, than in Bucharest and in Bucharest the food is of better quality. He also mentioned that he had discussed the allegations with the police officers who managed the shifts and they said that it had not happened on their shifts.
Foreigners interviewed by the author in Otopeni, who were also detained in Arad stated that the police officers in Otopeni treated them better than the officers in Arad.
When transferred from the facility to court for hearings, detained foreigners are handcuffed and escorted. According to the director of Arad, the foreigners are not always handcuffed, only if there is a risk of absconding or the number of foreigners is higher than the number of police officers accompanying them.
According to the directors of Otopeni, foreigners are handcuffed and escorted to the court. The handcuffs are taken off once they enter the court. According to the foreigners interviewed by the author during the visit in Otopeni the handcuffs are taken off when they enter the courtroom, where the court hearing is held. Women are not handcuffed when they are taken to court hearings, according to the representative of Otopeni.
Regarding detainees’ right to information on their rights and obligations in detention, in Arad all detainees receive written information about their rights and obligations in English or French upon arrival. Both centres have leaflets also in Arabic, Pashto, Kurdish and Chinese. The author noticed posters in different languages that were displayed in the dining space and the hallways.
In Otopeni information on ROI and rights and obligations is provided by IGI. The detainees receive A4 leaflets with their rights and obligations in English.
According to the director of Otopeni, detainees are informed about their rights and obligations and the reasons for their detention upon arrival in the centre in writing in English and Romanian. Posters with the rights and obligations and ROI are displayed in the hallways of the centre in several languages. During the visit in Otopeni the author saw the posters with ROI and rights and obligations in different languages displayed on the hallways. Some of the foreigners interviewed by the author during the visit in Otopeni mentioned that they received the decision in Romanian and short information in English.
In June 2024, the Ombudsman carried out a visit to the Otopeni Detention Center, observing the following: “The staffing structure included 70+1 positions, out of these, there was one position in the psychological department, five positions in the medical department (one doctor and four medical assistants), and one position in the technical-administrative department (a person responsible for the heating system and pipes, plumber, waiter, caretaker, and storekeeper). The security personnel were organized into four shifts: one shift with 12 employees, two shifts with 11 employees each, and one shift with 10 employees. At the time of the visit, the following positions were vacant: one psychologist, one officer, one caretaker, one boilerman, and one plumber. According to the information provided, these positions were to be opened for recruitment. Additionally, an increase in the security staff structure was deemed necessary, as the existing personnel was insufficient to carry out the centre’s specific activities (…) Although activities were carried out in accordance with the Regulation of Accommodation Centres for Foreigners Taken into Custody, approved by Order of the Minister of Internal Affairs No. 121/2014, there were situations where, due to the number of operational missions, the security personnel was occasionally understaffed at certain times of the day. Allowing all foreigners to leave their rooms simultaneously posed both a security risk for the staff and a risk of illegal departure from the centre. It is necessary to fill all vacant positions and revise the organizational chart by increasing staffing levels to address these shortcomings and eliminate operational dysfunctions. (…) At the time of the visit, the position of psychologist was not filled, as it had been put out to competition. In the past, there was a full-time psychologist, but he retired on 2 May 2023.[2]
Overall conditions
Otopeni centre operates in Otopeni, Ilfov County, near the largest airport in Romania, Henri Coanda Airport, which facilitates the operative return of foreigners to their countries of origin. The centre was established in 1999 and renovated in 2004-2005 with PHARE funds of €1,500,000, including Romania’s own contribution.[3] Otopeni centre has two buildings. The centre has a capacity of 114, with the possibility of extension to 132 places. The majority of the rooms have 4 beds each, but there are also rooms with 6 and 8 beds and one room with 12 beds.
Arad is located in Horia, a village in Arad County. It had a capacity of 160 places. There were two buildings: one (building B) hosting the administrative offices and 52 places of accommodation and another building (building C) designated for accommodation with 108 places, administration purposes and other activities, inaugurated in 2015.[4] Each room is designed to accommodate 4 people and has 4.5 to 6m2per person.[5] In May 2021, the authorities started the construction of another facility, with a capacity of 240 places of accommodation, a sports field and leisure spaces. The construction of the facility was funded by AMIF. The construction works were finalized in 2024, and according to the statement of the General Inspectorate for Immigration from December 2024, the accommodation capacity increased by 240 places, which is expected to become operational in the immediate future. With this increase, the total capacity will reach 400 places.[6]
In 2022, in Otopeni the highest number of detainees was 54, as building A was closed and foreigners were only accommodated in building B, which has a capacity of 54 places. At the time of the author’s visit there were 37 foreigners detained, including a woman from Cuba.
During the visit carried out to Otopeni on 21 March 2023, the detention conditions in the building which was not under renovation were good. The hallways and other shared spaces were clean. In the renovated building, the walls were already dirty and the old tiles had been kept. The dining room which is in the other building was also clean. The outside space had not been improved, the representatives of the centre said refurbishments are foreseen in 2025.
According to the report of the Ombudsman visit to the Otopeni Detention Center 0f 27 June 2024: “The centre was organized into two sections (A and B), with rooms in both sections equipped with four beds, except for one room with 12 beds in Section A and rooms with six or eight beds in Section B. Each room had its own sanitary facilities, and every detainee was provided with an individual bed and bedding. Section A, divided into multiple levels, included office spaces (for both staff and NGO personnel), accommodation rooms, two isolation rooms, a visitors’ room, a recreation activity room, a medical office, and a treatment room. The accommodation rooms were furnished with beds, a metal wardrobe, a table, and a television, with sanitary facilities nearby. The rooms were fitted with security systems, with doors locked from the outside, and windows secured with bars. Surveillance systems were installed in the hallways to ensure safety conditions for both detainees and centre staff. For social and sports activities, a terrace was available on the floor where the accommodation rooms were located, as well as a sports field. In Section B, the upper level was designated for public custody, while the lower level was used as transit asylum facilities. At the time of the visit, foreign nationals were only accommodated in Section B. Several detainees complained about the poor quality of the mattresses, stating that many had exposed metal springs. Upon inspection, some mattresses with protruding springs were identified. The centre’s management explained that these mattresses had been purchased a few months prior through a project with minimal funding, with an expected lifespan of five years. However, due to the prolonged use (over eight hours daily) and their low quality, their condition had deteriorated faster than expected. The visiting team found that better organization of cleaning and maintenance was necessary, particularly regarding sanitary facilities, which required repainting. Additionally, anti-slip mats were needed in the bathrooms to prevent accidents. Detainees expressed their desire for more frequent contact with their families, as phone communication time was limited at the time of the visit. According to the Regulation for Accommodation Centres for Foreigners Taken into Custody, approved by OMAI No. 121/2014, detainees were provided a €5 phone card per month. Foreign nationals could also use their personal mobile phones upon request, under direct visual supervision, while ensuring privacy. Furthermore, the centre had provided two mobile phones for detainees to use at their own expense, but at the time of the visit, one of the phones was non-functional. (…) According to the special events register, by the time of the visit in 2024, one disciplinary isolation sanction had been applied, while in 2023, there had been four such sanctions. These measures were taken in cases where detainees violated the provisions of Article 40 (b) and (f) of the Internal Regulations governing regional asylum seeker accommodation centres, as established by Ministerial Order No. 121/2014. The regulations explicitly prohibit detainees from engaging in acts of violence against staff, mission personnel, visitors, other detainees, or any other individuals within the centre (Article 40(b)). Additionally, detainees are forbidden from using obscene language, gestures, or actions in public (Article 40(f)). Isolation sanctions were also applied in cases where detainees failed to comply with their obligations under Article 39 (d) and (h), which require them to treat centre personnel and external individuals, such as judicial representatives, diplomats, healthcare professionals, and NGO staff, with respect (Article 39(d)) and to properly maintain and care for the material goods provided by the centre throughout their stay (Article 39(h)). In some situations, authorities enforced Article 47(1)(a) of the same regulations, which allows temporary restraint of detainees by centre staff or personnel from other units within the Ministry of Internal Affairs. This measure was taken to prevent real and immediate dangers, such as self-harm or property destruction. The centre had two disciplinary isolation rooms, with isolation measures typically lasting 24 hours. However, in one case, the measure was extended for an additional 24 hours. Upon reviewing the special events register, it was noted that not all records included the exact time and date when the isolation measure was imposed, though the time and date of release were consistently recorded. To minimize conflicts, detainees were assigned to rooms based on nationality, gender, religion, and spoken languages.[7]
Each detainee has their own bed and there is generally sufficient space, except at times when the number of detainees was high and they had to place mattresses on the floor. Detainees are required to clean their own rooms and the common spaces in both centres. They receive cleaning products from IGI and CNRR, according to the directors of the centres.
Detainees are accommodated in separate rooms on the basis of gender, religion or nationality. Family members are accommodated in the same room, separately from other people, ensuring an appropriate level of privacy.
CNRR provides material assistance through the project “Counselling and Material Assistance in Public Custody Centres”, funded by the AMIF national program. The main objective of the project is to provide information and counselling to migrants about return operations and rules that must be respected during these operations; the rights, obligations and rules of the Public Custody Centres Arad and Otopeni; and to provide services and specific assistance (including material assistance) complementary to that granted by the Romanian government during their detention in the Public Custody Centres and during their return under escort to the country of origin or other country of destination.[8]
The Public Custody Centres Regulation prescribes that food is provided three times a day, in the form of a hot or cold meal, depending on the situation of the detainees during accommodation or transport. For sick people, pregnant women and other categories of persons, food provision follows the number of meals and the diet prescribed by the doctor at the centre. At the request of detainees, their religious diet is respected.[9]
Overall, the living conditions in the Arad Reception Centre have improved considerably since December 2024, when a new building was finalised.[10] All administrative offices and accommodation facilities were relocated to this modern, well-equipped, and clean facility, enhancing both the quality of services provided and the standard of living for the residents. The centre has been organised to reduce tensions among detainees, with accommodation rooms typically hosting only two to three persons, despite having a larger capacity, in order to avoid conflicts. Separate rooms are allocated for men and women. Rooms are equipped with air conditioners.[11]
According to JRS Romania, the Arad Detention centre includes a new medical office, an improved dining area and kitchen—both reported as being clean and well-organised—and isolation rooms, which are identical in conditions to the regular rooms but used for individual accommodation when necessary.[12]
According to JRS Romania the meals in Arad Detention centre are provided by the Romanian Gendarmerie, which also supplies food for prisons and other detention facilities. Detainees noted that while the food is adequate, with daily servings of fruit and vegetables, they would prefer meals more suited to their traditional preferences (spicy food, curry, or ingredients specific to Muslim diets). However, this is not possible due to the uniform catering system applied across the Gendarmerie network. Some detainees even mentioned that the food portions were too large at times.[13]
In the Arad Detention centre, detainees benefit from additional support provided by NGOs and religious communities. Donations of clothes, hygiene products, and other materials have been regularly offered by organisations such as CNRR, JRS Romania, and various faith-based groups, with the management being open to such initiatives.[14]
According to JRS Romania, communication with the outside world from the centre is facilitated through two phones available in the centre, and detainees receive a monthly phone card of €5. They are also allowed to use their own phones weekly, usually under supervision. Moreover, visits from relatives and friends are permitted during designated visiting hours.[15]
In Arad Detention centre NGOs maintain regular access to the centre: CNRR provides legal counselling and information sessions, while JRS Romania, in cooperation with IOM Romania, implements the RVAR voluntary return program. Detainees are also informed about the possibility of voluntary return facilitated by Frontex, which offers financial support packages of €600 upon departure and €1,400 in reintegration assistance in the country of origin, in addition to covering travel and document-related costs. Frontex returns, however, are not available to certain nationalities, such as Sudanese, Eritrean, Ethiopian, Afghan, and Ugandan nationals, for whom the RVAR program may remain an option. Both programs are complementary and coordinated in the centre.[16]
As for 2024, CNRR stated that food was delivered daily to the Public Custody Centres in order to be served to the persons taken into public custody. Food was provided in the Centre pursuant to instructions approved by the Ministry of Internal Affairs (and published in the Official Monitor of Romania), which establish a number of calories to be assured daily for each person taken into public custody. The norms in cause take into account the particular situation of each person (adults, pregnant or breastfeeding women, minors accompanying adults in public custody, religious restrictions, dietary restrictions as advised by a doctor etc.). The migrants received three meals a day, as well as additional food periodically distributed by CNRR. Foods that might go against religious dietary restrictions (such as pork) were not served. [17] During important religious holidays (e.g. Ramadan), at the request of the migrants, food was provided at a time that allowed them to respect their traditions. During Ramadan, CNRR distributed food every evening to every migrant, in addition to the food provided by the authorities, regardless of religion. In detention centres normally if the migrants have financial resources, they can request weekly that various products (alimentary and non-alimentary) be purchased for them.[18]
According to the report on the Ombudsman’s visit of 27June 2024 to the Otopeni Detention Center: “Food for foreign nationals taken into public custody and accommodated in the centre was provided by the Gendarmerie’s catering service, ensuring a double record-keeping system and the preservation of food samples. The medical service was involved in activities related to dietary regimes and conducted water potability tests from the centre’s own supply every two months throughout the year. The Romanian National Council for Refugees, which implemented the project “Counselling and Material Assistance Provided in Public Custody Centres”, occasionally ensured the provision of fresh fruits and vegetables to foreigners in the centre”.[19]
Activities
The Public Custody Centres Regulation provides that every foreigner is entitled to an hour of recreational outdoor activities per day, depending on the weather conditions and the possibilities of supervision. Recreational outdoor activities usually take place between 13:30 and 17:00. The director of the centre or their legal substitute may increase the duration of outdoor recreational activities.[20]
The Aliens Ordinance provides for the right to access to education for children detained in public custody centres accompanied by at least one parent or by their legal representative; children have free access to the compulsory education system.[21] Nevertheless, according to the directors of both Arad and Otopeni, none of the children detained in public custody centres were enrolled or attended school.
No information was made available regarding 2023.
According to the report on the Ombudsman’s visit of 27 June 2024 to the Otopeni Detention Center: *”Detainees did not have access to activities that could help them pass the time in the centre. The facility’s management specified that there was no activity schedule for the accommodated individuals, as it was deemed unnecessary. During discussions with detainees, they expressed that they had no activities to occupy their time, highlighting the need for an activity schedule for those in custody (…) there was a need to organize cultural-educational and/or recreational programs, as such programs did not exist at the time of the MNP team’s visit. These activities should involve or allow the participation of foreign nationals in designated indoor and outdoor spaces within the centre. The development and implementation of such programs could be achieved by identifying and using resources through EU-funded projects and/or engaging external collaborators and specialists. This was necessary to maintain the detainees’ well-being and prevent anxiety and depression, considering the high costs associated with managing these conditions, which could persist for years, with relapses, long-term complications, and potential hospitalization, further increasing expenses. Additionally, such programs would help foster a secure and trusting social environment. (…) Legal and material assistance for detainees was provided through projects implemented by non-governmental organizations that had formal collaborations with IGI and the centre. These projects were funded either by the organizations themselves or through European Union programs. Among these organizations, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Romanian National Council for Refugees (CNRR), and JRS – Jesuit Refugee Service Romania played a key role in supporting detainees. CNRR managed two major projects: one funded by the European Union under the National Program – Asylum, Migration, and Integration Fund (AMIF), which provided counselling and material assistance to migrants in public custody, and another project dedicated to legal assistance for foreigners. As a partner NGO, JRS was actively involved in cases of tolerated stay, offering accommodation to foreigners who could not be removed from the country. Meanwhile, IOM provided assistance in voluntary return cases, ensuring that those who wished to return to their home countries could do so under safe and organized conditions.[22] Based on these findings, the Ombudsman recommended the following: The management of the Accommodation Centre for Foreigners Taken into Public Custody Otopeni is advised to take the necessary legal measures to: “Develop and implement an educational-recreational program, prepare a calendar of activities and display it in a visible manner so that it can be easily accessed by foreigners, as well as carry out cultural, educational and recreational activities necessary for the leisure time of the persons in custody. Fill vacant positions and hire the necessary personnel, so that the persons in custody have the opportunity to spend free time outside, in the open air, engaging in sports and recreational activities; Take the necessary steps to carry out cleaning and maintenance works in the living spaces, especially in sanitary groups, which require repainting and maintenance; equip the sanitary groups with anti-slip mats to prevent slipping; replace the degraded mattresses; Ensure that the centre provides the necessary clothing items for the persons in custody; Ensure the functionality of the mobile phones made available to foreigners for making calls; Provide advanced training courses for the staff in order to be able to handle crisis situations and de-escalate conflicts, including the qualification of trainers in the field“.[23]
In January 2025, the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) responded to the Ombudsman’s report from its visit on 27 June 2024 at the Otopeni Detention Centre, affirming the implementation of measures to create an educational-recreational program in the centre. The IGI acknowledged that staff shortages and the lack of interest from detainees had hindered the implementation of these programs. However, efforts were made, including the organisation of competitions and leisure activities with the support of the CNRR (Romanian National Council for Refugees).[24]
According to JRS Romania, the new building of the Arad Detention Centre is equipped with a fully functional gym, and detainees also have access to two outdoor recreational areas where they can play football and basketball. In 2024, the centre continued to respect detainees’ religious rights; during Ramadan, a dedicated prayer room was made available to allow detainees to observe their religious practices. Additionally, all detainees have access to televisions in their rooms, with channels available in multiple languages, including from their countries of origin.[25]
According to CNRR, in 2024 the Management of Otopeni Public Custody Centre provided recreational facilities, including a sports field and an indoor gym. According to the Centre’s internal regulations, individuals in public custody were entitled to one hour of outdoor recreational activities per day. This period may have been extended with the director’s approval if weather conditions and supervision capacities permitted. Minors accompanying adults in public custody were granted extended outdoor recreation time. However, unaccompanied minors were not placed in public custody in 2024. Cases involving minors accompanying adults were rare, as alternatives to public custody were usually applied. For minors, the Centre has a dedicated children’s room equipped with age-appropriate toys. When needed, CNRR organizes recreational and educational activities for them.[26]
According to CNRR, in 2024 the Otopeni Public Custody Centre also featured a library with books in various foreign languages, including English, French, and Arabic. While individuals in public custody do not have access to computers, they can use their personal mobile phones twice a week. However, each room is equipped with a television and cable connection, providing access to satellite programs in multiple languages. Additionally, CNRR had supplied board games and playing cards, organizing periodic tournaments and championships as part of its projects. These activities offered detainees an opportunity for engagement and social interaction, fostering a sense of normalcy within the facility.[27]
Health care and special needs in detention
Foreigners detained in public custody centres have the right to legal, medical and social assistance and the right to have their own opinion, religious, philosophical and cultural matters respected.[28]
The Asylum Act provides that vulnerable asylum seekers detained in specially designed closed spaces within the Regional Centres are regularly monitored and benefit from adequate support, according to their individual situation, including their health situation.[29]The Aliens Ordinance also provides for appropriate medical care and treatment for vulnerable persons in detention centres.[30]
In 2024 according to UNHCR Romania, public custody centres lack an established identification mechanism of vulnerable persons, which is instead present in reception centres, including specially arranged closed areas. According to the director of the Otopeni centre, there is no identification mechanism for vulnerable persons.
According to the law, the psychologist of the centre makes the psychological evaluation of persons detained in the centre, drafts psychological observation sheets and provides specialist assistance throughout their stay.
For foreigners with psychological or psychiatric problems, the psychologist of the centre informs the Director of the centre immediately or their legal substitute and, where appropriate, makes proposals for specialist consultations to hospital departments.[31]
The psychological assistance is provided without an interpreter. It was mentioned that many of them speak English or Romanian and if they do not speak these languages she solicits the assistance of another detainee, who may interpret for them but only if the foreigner agrees to it.
The authorities try to ensure assistance for this category of persons, but if the needs in question cannot be satisfied, the person is released. In rare cases, groups such as families with children have been released from detention.
According to the observations provided in the report on the Ombudsman visit, of 27 June 2024 to the Otopeni Detention Center: “Since the beginning of the year until the date of the visit by the NPM team, the main activities of the medical service include: conducting 105 tests for respiratory conditions (flu, COVID); 1,051 consultations through the center’s medical office; 141 medical records prepared upon the admission of beneficiaries into the centre; 18 escort missions to clinics outside the centre, including for paternity testing; and 85 prophylactic activities for the food block. Migrants were examined by medical staff upon admission to the centre, where they declared in writing, under their own responsibility, any known medical conditions. However, an informed consent form for necessary treatments also needed to be attached to the consultation file. A notable best practice was observed during the COVID-19 pandemic, as Romania became the first country in Europe to implement a vaccination policy for detainees in the centre, as highlighted in discussions with medical staff. The centre had specific digitalized procedures, including protocols for admission, food refusal (no cases recorded from the beginning of the year until the visit), self-harm (four cases in 2023 and three in 2024), drug users, transfer/transport cases, pregnant detainees (one case in December 2023), and first aid administration. The medical office and two treatment rooms were adequately equipped according to minimum standards, thanks to EU-funded projects aimed at ensuring rapid identification and isolation of infectious diseases. Two designated isolation rooms were available, one in each section of the centre. Rapid test kits for detecting pathogens such as hepatitis B and C, HIV, influenza, and COVID-19 had been purchased. For cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the centre was equipped with a defibrillator, two large emergency kits, and a small first-aid kit, all placed in visible locations. Additionally, a vacuum immobilization system was available for orthopaedic cases. The medical assistance areas were sterilized using UV lamps. From a staffing perspective, the medical team was adequately structured to meet the monitoring needs of detainees. This included one doctor working seven hours per day and four medical assistants, who also participated in 24/72-hour on-call rotations. An annual training plan was in place for the medical service, covering first aid and epidemic control measures, including isolation and quarantine protocols. Medical information was initially confidential, but in cases requiring dietary adjustments (e.g., for diabetic detainees), staff were informed to ensure appropriate meals. Specialized care for women was included in the medical protocols, ensuring access to specialized treatment and appropriate dietary plans while respecting previous medical diagnoses upon confirmation. The standard medication included nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), gastric protectors, and antispasmodics. Active medication was administered by medical assistants, based on prescriptions or recommendations. No supply chain shortages were recorded, as the medical stock was managed by a designated medical assistant. All consultations and treatments were recorded daily in medical files and consultation registers, which were securely stored. The medication for chronic patients was properly ensured and distributed as needed, with continuous monitoring of expiration dates. Maintaining a stock of only essential emergency medicines was a priority, as certain substances had biochemical instability and required careful management, with an average shelf life of three months, impacting costs. Efforts were ongoing to provide dental care services, including permanent fillings, given that some detainees could remain in custody for up to 18 months. No deaths were recorded. Detainees aged 65 and older were identified in the centre, with medical staff trained to address their specific needs. Additionally, three individuals with mental health conditions were under monitoring at the time of the visit. (…) Following the assessment of the psychological assistance provided to detainees—through the review of case files, interviews with staff and detainees—it was found that, as of the date of the visit, there were no identified psychological services available to beneficiaries. Specifically, there were no records of psychological evaluations, no register of psychological consultations, and no weekly or annual activity schedule for beneficiaries. Although the institution had applicable procedures for training staff to handle crisis situations and defuse conflicts—especially in the absence of a permanent clinical psychologist at the centre—there was a need for more in-depth training courses and for qualified trainers in the field. At the time of the visit, the psychologist position was vacant, although it had been opened for recruitment. In the past, a full-time psychologist was employed at the centre but retired on May 2, 2023. According to information provided by the centre’s management, when needed, a psychologist from the General Inspectorate for Immigration would visit the centre.[32] The Ombudsman presented the following recommendations based on the visit’s findings: “The management of the Accommodation Centre for Foreigners Taken into Public Custody Otopeni is advised to take the necessary legal measures to: Attach to the medical consultation file the informed consent form regarding access to necessary treatments for ensuring the conditions for maintaining vital functions and, implicitly, the maintenance of an adequate state of health in the given situations; Ensure the constant verification of expiration dates and keep in the emergency medical cabinet only specific medications, as a priority and responsibility of the medical personnel; Continue efforts to ensure dental assistance so that foreign nationals benefit from dental interventions, including the application of permanent fillings, considering the maximum length of stay of up to 18 months in the Otopeni Accommodation Centre; Provide psychological services for individual and group intervention, specific to migrants; fill the vacant position of psychologist.”[33]
In January 2025, the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) also acknowledged in its response to the Ombudsman’s report from 27 June 2024 that the post of psychologist at the Otopeni Detention Centre had remained vacant since May 2023. The IGI stated that the centre relied on interventions from the psychologist of the IGI headquarters as needed and expressed its commitment to fill the vacancy and to expand staff capacity to ensure access to psychological support for detainees.[34]
According to JRS Romania, in 2024, the situation regarding medical and psychological support in the Arad detention centre remained largely unchanged, with a doctor and a nurse regularly available to provide medical assistance. However, a significant improvement was that the presence of a psychologist on a daily basis was guaranteed. All newly arrived persons are now subject to an initial psychological evaluation upon entry, and additional psychological counselling is offered upon request—either initiated by the beneficiaries themselves or recommended by the centre’s director or medical staff. Additionally, all new arrivals continue to undergo a medical assessment upon admission, to rule out any contagious conditions that might pose a risk to other residents. The quality of medical and psychological facilities has also improved following the relocation to a new building; in particular, medical cabinets and the psychological counselling room are currently better equipped and more suitable for consultations.[35]
CNRR stated that medical and psychological assistance were provided at the Centre by specialized staff in 2024. Upon arrival, individuals were placed in medical isolation for five days, during which they underwent medical evaluations. This was a standard procedure for new arrivals to prevent the spread of illnesses. If specialized or multidisciplinary medical care was required (such as for acute illnesses, infectious diseases, conditions needing immediate or ongoing medical attention, decompensated psychiatric conditions, general medical emergencies, etc.), the person was transferred to a hospital. Migrants who required psychological support or counselling could request these services, and they were informed of this option when they entered the accommodation centre for individuals under public custody.[36]
[1] Article 103(3) Aliens Ordinance.
[2] Information provided by Ombudsman visit report in Otopeni Detention Centre , 27 June 2024, available here.
[3] Ombudsman, Report of the visit to the Accommodation Centre for Aliens Taken in Public Custody Otopeni, 70/2016, available in Romanian here.
[4] Ombudsman, Report of the visit to the Accommodation Centre for Aliens Taken in Public Custody Arad, 30/2016, available in Romanian here.
[5] Ibid, 10.
[6] General Inspectorate for Immigration, “Achievements and Results Obtained by the Police Officers of the Accommodation Center for Foreigners Taken into Public Custody Arad in the First 11 Months of This Year,” December 18, 2024, available here.
[7] Information provided by Ombudsman visit report in Otopeni Detention Centre, 27 June 2024, available here.
[8] Information provided by CNRR, 9 December 2019.
[9] Article 30(1) -(4) Public Custody Centres Regulation.
[10] General Inspectorate for Immigration, “Achievements and Results Obtained by the Police Officers of the Accommodation Center for Foreigners Taken into Public Custody Arad in the First 11 Months of This Year”, 18 December 2024, available here.
[11] Information provided by JRS Romania Timisoara and Arad, March 2025.
[12] ibid.
[13] ibid.
[14] ibid..
[15] ibid.
[16] ibid.
[17] Information provided by CNRR in February 2025.
[18] ibid.
[19] Information provided by Ombudsman visit report in Otopeni Detention Centre, 27 June 2024, available here.
[20] Article 26(1) -(2) Public Custody Centres Regulation.
[21] Article 104(6) Aliens Ordinance.
[22] Information provided by Ombudsman visit report in Otopeni Detention Centre, 27 June 2024, available here.
[23] Information provided by Ombudsman visit report in Otopeni Detention Centre, 27 June 2024, available here.
[24] Information provided by the IGI in January 2025 as response to the visit report in Otopeni Detention Centre, 27 June 2024, available here.
[25] Information provided by JRS Romania Timisoara and Arad, March 2025.
[26] Information provided by CNRR in February 2025.
[27] ibid.
[28] Article 104(2) Aliens Ordinance.
[29] Article 19^11(3) Asylum Act.
[30] Article 104(7) Aliens Ordinance.
[31] Article 38 Public Custody Centers Regulation.
[32] Information provided by Ombudsman visit report in Otopeni Detention Centre, 27 June 2024, available here.
[33] ibid.
[34] Information provided by the IGI in January 2025 as response to the visit report in Otopeni Detention Centre, 27 June 2024, available here.
[35] Information provided by JRS Romania Timisoara and Arad, March 2025.
[36] Information provided by CNRR in February 2025.