The Romanian state continues to ignore Romanians working abroad, denying them their legally acquired rights, even though their economic impact is huge.
Official figures demonstrate that Romanians working abroad remitted €6.5 billion to the country in 2023, equivalent to 2% of GDP, representing a mere 1.2% decrease compared to the amount of foreign direct investment attracted by Romania the previous year, according to data provided by the National Bank of Romania.
The government was obliged to adopt the rules for Law 156/2000 on the protection of Romanian citizens working abroad by 28 June 2021, but it has not done so until today.
Because of this, FACIAS has sued the Romanian Government and the next court date is January 31, 2025.
Instead of respecting citizens' rights and ensuring a comprehensive legal framework to protect Romanians working abroad, the government has preferred to delay this process, invoking several procedural exceptions to combat FACIAS.
In the absence of implementing rules, a significant number of Romanians are exposed to risks and abuses by employment agencies in Romania or in other EU countries. During this period, Law 156/2000 is inapplicable. The risks to which these individuals are exposed may include a lack of safe and adequate accommodation, a lack of fair payment for the work done, and a lack of proper medical insurance. Furthermore, there is a possibility that they may fall victim to human trafficking or be subjected to inhuman working conditions.
FACIAS will continue to monitor the situation and take all necessary steps to ensure that the rights of Romanian citizens working abroad are respected.