Author
Asylum seekers are informed of their rights and obligations pursuant to Article 17(1)(f) of the Asylum Act. IGI-DAI shall provide written information to asylum seekers in a language they understand or are reasonably supposed to understand, within a maximum of 15 days from the submission of the asylum application.[1] The information shall be provided by the official responsible for receiving the asylum application, according to a template established by order of the General Director of IGI.[2] Where necessary to ensure an adequate understanding of the information by the applicant, it may also be presented orally during the preliminary interview.[3] Competent officers are also required to inform asylum seekers on how to contact NGOs and UNHCR and how to obtain legal assistance and representation.[4] The General Director of IGI appoints the official responsible for ensuring the conditions to carry out the above activities.[5]
The house rules of the reception centres prescribe that, when accommodated in reception centres, asylum seekers also receive information on the rights, obligations, prohibitions and disciplinary sanctions applicable during their stay in the centre. In this regard information is handed to asylum seekers in the form of an information sheet in a language that they understand or are reasonably supposed to understand and in which they can clearly communicate. Where appropriate, for an adequate understanding of the applicant, information may also be provided orally using the services of an interpreter apt to ensure appropriate communication.[6] The applicant has to sign an acknowledgment of receipt of the information leaflets.
In practice, asylum seekers are complementary informed by NGOs in the Regional Centres about reception conditions, house rules and their rights and obligations.
According to the ROI, information on the rights, obligations, prohibitions and disciplinary sanctions applicable during the stay in the Regional Centre shall be displayed in each accommodation room in an international language.[7] However, according to national civil society actors, this is not always respected in practice. In particular, further improvements would be necessary regarding the provision of information on the centre’s rules.
In 2025 according to CNRR, the information provided to asylum seekers regarding reception conditions is generally deemed sufficient. In the Reception Centres, asylum seekers receive information from both centre staff and NGO representatives about internal regulations, the asylum procedure, and the accommodation conditions. This includes practical details such as the washing machine schedule (which is also displayed in foreign languages), hygiene standards required in the kitchens, the person responsible for distributing monthly hygiene products, the availability of a prayer room (for Muslims), a small gym, and the schedule for periodic disinfestation, disinfection, and pest control, among other things. Medical information is also shared, including the location of the medical office, operating hours, and the identities of the nurses.[8]
In 2025 according to a representative from JRS in Galati, asylum seekers are informed about their accommodation options in the Centre and the rules they must follow, with information provided by both IGI staff and NGOs working in this area.[9]
[1] Article 17(1)(f) Asylum Act; Article 2(1) Asylum Decree.
[2] Article 2(1) Asylum Decree.
[3] ibid. Article 2(1^1).
[4] ibid. Article 2(2).
[5] ibid. Article 2(3).
[6] Article 5(1) and (2) ROI.
[7] Article 5(3) ROI.
[8] Information provided by CNRR in February 2025.
[9] Information provided in February 2025.