A new draft emergency ordinance, which has been submitted for public debate, aims to amend and supplement the legislative framework governing the employment and residence of foreigners in Romania, as well as to strengthen the mechanisms for controlling and preventing abuse in this area.
Specifically, the draft introduces new types of visas (including a “holiday and work” visa), clarifies the obligations of employers and foreign labour placement agencies, extends the control powers of the relevant authorities, and tightens the conditions for authorization and operation of agencies involved in the recruitment of foreign workers (including by creating a register of employers of foreigners). Additional measures are also provided for the protection of foreign workers, such as access to procedures for reporting irregularities, increased transparency obligations for employers, and stricter rules on maintaining the right of residence and work, with a direct impact on labour relations and employer compliance.