Author
Beneficiaries of international protection have the right to be employed by natural or legal persons, to carry out voluntary activities, to exercise free professions and to carry out legal acts, to carry out acts and deeds of commerce, including independent economic activities, under the same conditions as Romanian citizens.[1] There are no differences between refugees and subsidiary protection beneficiaries in relation to access to employment.
Beneficiaries participating in the integration program are registered as individuals looking for a job at the National Agency for Employment, within 30 days of signing the protocol.[2]
In order to carry out measures to stimulate employment, the National Agency for Employment, through its agencies, has the obligation to draw up an individual plan for each person included in the integration program and register them as a person looking for a job, according to the legal provisions. For this purpose, IGI-DAI provides information on the education and professional profile of the beneficiaries. The National Agency for Employment may also collaborate with NGOs in order to inform, counsel or provide other services to beneficiaries of international protection.
Unemployed beneficiaries of international protection included in the integration program may also benefit from relocation, mobility or activation allowance, if they are registered as unemployed.[3]
In 2024, IGI-DAI indicated to lack statistical data on the total number of refugees and subsidiary protection beneficiaries employed at the end of the year, as well as on the unemployment rate among these groups. These matters fall under the competence of the National Employment Agency (ANOFM). Additionally, IGI-DAI clarified that refugees and subsidiary protection beneficiaries do not require work permits, as they have the same employment rights as Romanian citizens. Furthermore, IGI-DAI emphasized that foreign nationals with the right to reside in Romania are assigned a Personal Numeric Code (CNP) starting with the digits 7 or 8. As such, when requesting employment-related data from the National Employment Agency (ANOFM), it is necessary to explicitly specify that the request pertains to individuals holding international protection, excluding those under temporary protection.[4]
In 2024, the National Employment Agency (ANOFM) stated that it implements the measures outlined in Law no. 76/2002 regarding the unemployment insurance system and the stimulation of workforce employment, including for vulnerable categories. These measures apply to all individuals registered with employment agencies, including foreign nationals who have obtained international protection (refugee status or subsidiary protection) and asylum seekers who have been in the administrative procedure for at least three months without receiving a decision, provided the delay is not their fault, or who are in the judicial phase of the asylum procedure without a final and irrevocable decision.
ANOFM clarified that refugees, subsidiary protection beneficiaries, and asylum seekers do not require a work permit, as they have the same employment rights as Romanian citizens.
At the same time, ANOFM stated the institution does not collect statistical data on the total number of persons with international protection who were employed at the end of 2024. However, data on individuals employed with individual labour contracts as of 31 December 2024, can be obtained from the Labour Inspection Authority, which manages the Romanian Employee Registry.
According to the IGI 2024 report, all work visa applications in 2024 were submitted exclusively online. Work permits were electronically issued and delivered via email, while the Foreigners Registration Portal (PIS) was modernised to improve user experience.[5]
Regarding the unemployment rate among refugees and subsidiary protection beneficiaries, ANOFM stated that, according to Law no. 76/2002, it calculates the number of unemployed individuals and the registered unemployment rate at the national, county, and Bucharest municipality levels but does not provide specific unemployment data for refugees and subsidiary protection beneficiaries.
Below is the table presenting the number of persons registered and those who exited ANOFM records (either through employment or other reasons) in 2024, for individuals originating from non-EEA countries.
| Type of Persons | Registered Persons (2024) | Women (2024) | Exits by Employment (2024) | Women (Exits by Employment) | Exits by Other Reasons (2024) | Women (Exits by Other Reasons) |
| Beneficiaries of International Protection | 52 | 26 | 11 | 1 | 39 | 19 |
| Refugees | 9,436 | 6,069 | 464 | 248 | 8,180 | 5,318 |
| TOTAL | 9,488 | 6,095 | 465 | 249 | 8,219 | 5,337 |
Obstacles to access in practice
Although beneficiaries of international protection have the same rights as Romanian citizens when it comes to access to the labour market, there are some fields where there is limited or no access. For example, doctors with refugee status or subsidiary protection do not have the right to practice medicine in Romania[6] unless they are married to a Romanian citizen, they are family members of an EU citizen, or they have a Long-Term Residence permit granted by Romania or an EU Member State.[7]
Legally there are no limitations imposed on beneficiaries of international protection regarding access to labour market. In practice, knowledge of Romanian language (and in some cases English) may hinder beneficiaries’ access to labour market. In addition, many of the beneficiaries do not have diplomas that certify their studies, which makes it impossible for them to apply for certain positions.
According to CNRR in 2023,[8] beneficiaries of international protection in Romania are mainly employed in the HORECA (it is the acronym for the hospitality industry: Hotels, Restaurants, Catering), and construction. According to JRS Romania, the situation in 2024 remains largely unchanged. In addition to employment in the HORECA sector, beneficiaries of international protection are also employed in construction and in various community businesses, often hired by compatriots or alongside other nationals from their country of origin within Romanian companies. In some cases, particularly in rural areas or for jobs requiring relocation, employers also provide accommodation and meals, and in certain situations, extend this support to the workers’ family members.[9] They are generally paid the minimum wage, which does not allow a decent living, especially in the case of families with several children. This is also JRS Romania’s observation at least for those living in Region 2.[10] Beneficiaries of international protection have the possibility to follow the “Second Chance”[11] educational program in order to complete their studies and to follow vocational training courses. In practice, these are not accessed as they lack the financial resources to support themselves during the program, preferring to take unskilled jobs. It is even more complicated for single mothers with several children. For educated people, accessing the labour market is easier, however they also face certain difficulties because they are unaware of the legal provisions and of their rights, and are victims of pressure from employers to work overtime or to accept delayed pay, for example.
In 2024, according to CNRR, beneficiaries of international protection in Romania continue to face significant challenges in accessing the labour market, particularly in their first years of integration. Key obstacles include lack of formal qualifications or recognition of prior professional experience, language barriers, insufficient institutional support for employment, discrimination, and employer uncertainty about hiring refugees. While BIPs are entitled to work without a special permit, many employers are unaware of this, often assuming the process is complex and highly bureaucratic. Additionally, xenophobic narratives in Romania further hinder their acceptance in the workforce.[12]
In 2024, CNRR mentioned that during the first year after obtaining their status, refugees can attend Romanian language courses and receive a monthly financial aid of approximately €150. However, this amount is insufficient to cover basic needs, leading many to seek employment. [13] According to JRS Romania, a major issue is that once a refugee starts working—regardless of whether the job is temporary—they permanently lose their right to financial assistance. This policy discourages early formal employment, pushing some refugees toward illegal work despite understanding its legal risks.[14] Moreover, CNRR added that language courses are held only in person during standard working hours, making it nearly impossible for employed refugees to attend, further limiting their language learning and professional opportunities.[15]
According to CNRR, the language barrier remains the most significant obstacle for beneficiaries of international protection in accessing the labour market. Regardless of the skill level required for a job, a minimum conversational level of Romanian is almost always necessary for workplace integration and communication with colleagues. Additionally, language barriers hinder access to formal and dignified employment by limiting refugees’ ability to search for job opportunities, understand hiring requirements, navigate employment procedures, network, and have their professional qualifications recognized.[16] JRS Romania added that at present, there are several reasons that lead employers to refuse hiring beneficiaries of protection; among these are language barriers, a misunderstood patriotism that makes the employers at national level to hire only Romanians, distrust of foreigners from a culture different from theirs, the desire to avoid complicated employment procedures (although BPI does not require a work permit and when we mediate relations with a potential employer, we communicate this to them). According to JRS Romania there are other employers who offer BIPs a chance to work but take advantage of their limited employment opportunities elsewhere and their limited knowledge of labour law to exploit them.[17]
According to CNRR in 2024 for those who have recently arrived in Romania and do not speak Romanian—or at least English—this process can be overwhelming and frustrating. As a result, many beneficiaries of international protection resorted to informal jobs as a last resort to sustain their livelihood. However, informal employment often came with significant disadvantages, including a lack of labour rights, wages below the national minimum, excessively long working hours with little to no time off, and unpaid overtime. This situation can trap refugees in a cycle of precarious work, making it even more challenging to transition into the formal labour market.[18]
In 2024, the lack of information amongst employers was one other challenge that refugees have to overcome in order to be hired. This was due to the fact that usually employers refrain from employing foreigners due to the fact that there is a high amount of bureaucracy involved. However, refugees enjoyed the right to work without having to obtain a special work permit from the Immigration office as the regular non-EU foreigners and most of the time employers do not know about the ease of the process. In order to overcome this, CNRR and other NGOs at times reached out to employers to explain what international protection involves and how they can hire refugees. Moreover, CNRR teams composed of counsellors and an interpreter accompanied refugees at job fairs to facilitate communication with potential employers and assist in the recruitment process.[19]
Moreover, according to CNRR in 2024, the socio-political context in Romania has been increasingly marked by xenophobic discourses, perpetuating stereotypes and discrimination against refugees. This may have created a harsh and tense environment for beneficiaries of international protection, making it difficult for them to integrate and find a job.[20] While the state provided a platform for job search, it is only available in Romanian, thus making it harder for refugees to access. The Agency for Employment does not have interpreters to offer professional counselling or to assist by making a personalised plan for the person to integrate in the labour market, and most refugees do not use its services, as they are not at all adapted to their needs.[21] Some of the practices that proved to be efficient in supporting refugees to access the labour market are initiatives led by NGOs. CNRR collaborated with other such NGOs that offer free training courses available in languages other than Romanian or job matching assistance for vulnerable categories of people. Through such collaborations, refugees were able to get equipped with sets of skills that enable them to access better jobs, they got counselling on creating or improving their CVs, while NGOs advocated for refugees’ rights amongst potential employers. In addition, CNRR collaborated with some private companies and facilitated refugees’ applications and interview appointments.[22]
In 2024 according to CNRR, one of the other hurdles related to professional qualifications is the lack of training acquired by the jobs or programs. This means that refugees can only access unskilled, low income job opportunities, where sometimes their work rights are not respected making it more difficult for them to integrate long term in Romania. There are Romanian institutions such as the National Agency for Employment (ANOFM) that offer courses and training, but unfortunately these require a high level of Romanian, and a certain level of education formally recognized at the national level, which makes it difficult for someone who has recently moved to Romania to attend them and to work on their professional development.[23]
According to JRS Romania, in 2024, the lack of qualifications is another common problem, which is why many BIPs can only occupy jobs for the unqualified and these are not well paid. Theoretically, they have the right to participate in training courses for the unemployed, organized by the County Agency for Employment (AJOFM). In practice, the courses are held in Romanian and BIPs who have recently arrived in Romania do not know Romanian and learn it with difficulty (although they are enrolled in the preparatory course for learning the Romanian language organized by County School Inspectorate (ISJ) and JRS Romania also provides Romanian language courses to its beneficiaries). A minimum level of education is requested to enrol in AJOFM courses, depending on the difficulty of the course, a requirement that many IDPs do not meet.[24]
According to the JRS Romania representative in Galați, access to the labour market for beneficiaries of international protection in 2024 remained challenging, primarily due to language barriers. Employers often refused to hire individuals who did not speak Romanian, with cases observed in restaurants and bakeries where the lack of Romanian language proficiency was cited as a reason for rejection. As part of the integration program, beneficiaries are registered in the AJOFM database within the first months of obtaining protection status, and the agency offers qualification courses—though these are conducted in Romanian. However, many beneficiaries lacked the necessary language proficiency to participate in these courses. Despite this, JRS actively assists beneficiaries in job searching, both through monthly job listings provided by AJOFM in Galați and Brăila counties and through the efforts of JRS integration counsellors and social workers.[25]
Within the My Place project, in 2024 JRS Romania conducted monthly meetings with beneficiaries to provide guidance on accessing the Romanian labour market. These sessions covered key topics such as employment contracts, employee rights and obligations, CV writing, interview preparation, labour legislation, and the importance of safeguarding personal documents. Beneficiaries are also informed about institutions such as AJOFM and the National Centre for Recognition and Equivalence of Diplomas (CNRED). Under the project, JRS assisted a Cameroonian beneficiary in obtaining diploma recognition through CNRED, a process that typically takes about 30 days and is free for individuals with international protection. However, the certificate issued for employment and vocational training purposes does not allow for academic continuation. For professions that are regulated by sector such as medicine, veterinary sciences, and architecture, diplomas from EU, EEA, and Swiss institutions are recognized by the relevant authorities in Romania, as stipulated by Law no. 200/2004. [26]
Recognition / equivalence of professional qualifications
Beneficiaries of international protection in Romania are entitled to equal treatment as Romanian citizens concerning the recognition and equivalence of studies, diplomas, and professional qualifications. This right is established by the Asylum Act (Law no. 122/2006) and ensures access to regulated professions under the same conditions as Romanian nationals, in accordance with the legislation in force.[27]
For beneficiaries who wish to work in positions that require specific educational credentials, diplomas and qualifications obtained abroad must be recognized and validated. This process is carried out by the National Centre for Recognition and Equivalence of Diplomas (CNRED), an institution under the authority of the Ministry of Education.
Procedure for Recognition and Equivalence of Diplomas:[28]
To apply for the recognition of studies and qualifications, beneficiaries must submit the following documents:
- Standardized application form available on the CNRED website or at its offices.
- Diploma or certificate of studies for equivalence or recognition:
- If issued in Romanian, English, French, Spanish, or Italian, a copy of the diploma is sufficient.
- If issued in another language, a certified translation into Romanian is required, along with a copy of the original document.
- Academic transcript or an official document listing the completed courses, especially if the specialization or field of study is not clearly indicated on the diploma:
- Accepted in Romanian, English, French, Spanish, or Italian.
- If issued in other languages, a certified translation into Romanian is required.
- Other relevant supporting documents, if applicable.
- Copy of personal identification documents, such as a passport or identity card.
- Proof of protection in Romania (for beneficiaries of international or temporary protection).
- Proof of name change, if the name on the diploma differs from the current identity document. If the document is not in Romanian, English, French, Spanish, or Italian, a certified translation into Romanian is required.
- Processing fee of 100 RON / €20, unless the applicant benefits from a form of international or temporary protection.
The application is typically processed within 30 days from the date of registration, provided that all required documents are correctly submitted and complete.
More information and specific requirements can be found on CNRED website, also available in English.
In 2024, according to CNRR, in the process of diploma and study recognition of higher education, refugees often face challenges due to a lack of official proof from their home institutions. Contacting these institutions is not an option, as it poses serious risks to their safety and refugee status. While copies of documents are accepted, higher education recognition remains impossible without proof from the issuing authority. Therefore, without any studies recognized, refugees have mainly access to low skilled labour. Additionally, there are no regulations for the recognition of an undocumented qualification acquired at work or as a result of a qualification or vocational courses in the country of origin or any other country.[29]
[1] Article 20(1)(c) Asylum Act.
[2] Article 24 Integration Ordinance.
[3] ibid. Article 25.
[4] Information provided by IGI-DAI, 23 January 2025.
[5] According to the Assessment of the activity of the general inspectorate for immigration in the year 2024 of the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI), published in April 2025, summarizing its operations during 2024. Official source here.
[6] The issue was debated during a meeting on 26 October 2017 with representatives of the Romanian Government, the College of Doctors, IGI, NGOs, UNHCR and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM Romania). The conclusions of the meeting were that the Government will analyse the proposals and will try to find solutions. See EMINET, ‘Obținerea dreptului de practică de către medicii străini, în contextul deficitului de personal din sistemul de sănătate românesc’, 26 October 2017, available in Romanian here.
[7] Article 376(1) Act 95/2006 on Health Reform.
[8] Information provided by CNRR, 16 January 2024.
[9] Practice based observation by JRS Romania, February 2025
[10] ibid. April 2024.
[11] Ministry of Education, Programul „A doua șansă”, available in Romanian here.
[12] Information provided by CNRR in February 2025.
[13] ibid.
[14] Information provided by JRS Galati in February 2025.
[15] Information provided by CNRR in February 2025.
[16] ibid.
[17] Information provided by JRS Romania Galati in February 2025.
[18] Information provided by CNRR in February 2025.
[19] ibid.
[20] ibid.
[21] ibid.
[22] ibid.
[23] ibid.
[24] Information provided by JRS Galati in February 2025.
[25] Information provided by JRS Galati in February 2025.
[26] ibid.
[27] Article 20(1)(r) Asylum Act.
[28] CNRED, Recognition of studies for admission to post-secondary or university level, completed by citizens of other EU, EEA member states, the Swiss Confederation, family members, subsidiary protection and refugees, holders of a long-term residence permit, available here.
[29] Information provided by CNRR in February 2025.