The newest Policy Brief “Emigration from Romania: impact and legacy”, published within the “WB2EU” network, highlights a pressing concern regarding the insufficient availability of data on emigration in Romania. This phenomenon, which has both positive and negative implications for the country, needs to be addressed with greater attention.
The Policy Brief highlights that over 4 million Romanians have migrated since the 1989 Revolution, contributing to their country’s economy through remittances. Additionally, upon their return, they bring with them new skills and attitudes. The report also notes that migration has played a crucial role in preventing social issues in Romania, providing employment opportunities for those who may have otherwise been unemployed. Furthermore, the departure of the young, male, intrepid, and often low-skilled population has brought greater social and political stability.
The Policy Brief points out that migrants and their families, particularly vulnerable individuals such as children and the elderly, are at risk both in their interactions with authorities and on a personal level, which may have led to radicalization. Additionally, the diaspora tends to support political parties that are perceived as anti-establishment, even if they are located on the far right.
The Policy Brief explains that there are several administrative hurdles, such as the lack of documentation for workers, which have made it difficult to gather accurate data on emigration. As a result, the authors estimate that approximately 20% of individuals born in Romania currently reside outside the country.
The Policy Brief suggests that individuals who leave Romania for varying durations do so in pursuit of improved wages to sustain themselves and their loved ones or to pursue education opportunities. It also indicates that some may choose to stay in the country of destination due to the availability of better remuneration and work conditions for those who successfully integrate.
Additionally, the article suggests that the reasons for their departure may also be influenced by the availability of social services and infrastructure, as well as regional inequalities. It’s worth noting that the regions with the highest emigration rates are also the poorest ones in Romania, both prior to and following their accession to the European Union (EU).
The Policy Brief has pointed out some positive outcomes of migration that are worth considering. It is said that migration helps to keep people employed who might otherwise have lost their jobs, and it also brings in remittances that can help struggling families prosper. Additionally, migration has the potential to increase political stability and transfer knowledge, skills, and cultural attitudes, even though the extent of these effects has not been fully explored.
The Policy Brief, however, highlights that there are potential negative consequences to consider. These include emigrants becoming vulnerable to working in unsanitary conditions and having their passports confiscated, as well as experiencing feelings of loneliness and depression.
According to the Brief, the situation has improved after EU accession, however, there still remains an uneven balance of power between employers and employees.
In addition, it brings to light that there may be other outcomes such as the potential for political radicalization among the diaspora, as well as the unintended abandonment of children and neglect of the elderly for extended periods of time, which can result in lasting emotional harm.
The Policy Brief emphasizes that there is a problem frequently discussed in relation to migration, which is the human capital flight, also known as the brain drain. This refers to the migration of the most intelligent and highly educated individuals, which can leave the country of origin struggling to progress economically. This is sometimes complained about in Romania.
The policy brief suggests that Romanians tend to emigrate due to unemployment and raises the question of whether the state and business sectors are actively seeking skilled workers. Additionally, the brief notes that Romania has one of the lowest hourly labour costs in the EU. In conclusion, the Policy Brief respectfully suggests the importance of gaining a thorough understanding of this issue by conducting a comprehensive study programme on both actual and prospective migrants. Additionally, it recommends prioritizing social and educational policies and improving the quality of the labour market.
