Romania is bound by the recast Asylum Procedures Directive (APD), the recast Reception Conditions Directive and the Dublin III Regulation and has transposed their provisions through the Law No 122 of 4 May 2006 concerning asylum in Romania (Lege nr. 122 din 4 mai 2006 privind azilul în România) and further amendments.

Law No 122 of 4 May 2006 concerning asylum in Romania (Lege nr. 122 din 4 mai 2006 privind azilul în România) and further amendments.

In Romania, third-country nationals seeking asylum are provided with essential information regarding the asylum process during various stages, especially the screening and lodging phases. The process of informing applicants begins during the screening phase when asylum seekers are given detailed information on how to make, register, and submit their asylum application. This includes providing information about the rights and obligations of the applicant, as well as the applicable timelines. During the lodging phase, the information is typically conveyed in writing through leaflets in languages that the applicants understand or are reasonably expected to understand.

The information is delivered in both individual and group settings. The primary modality used for delivering this information is oral, by designated officials, such as asylum officers. Additionally, written materials, such as leaflets, and video presentations are made available in multiple languages. These materials are provided to the applicants during the registration phase.

The information related to access to the asylum procedure is typically provided by competent authorities, specifically the designated asylum officials. In addition to the state authorities, several non-governmental organisations (NGOs), including the Romanian National Council for Refugees, offer information and support to applicants, particularly under European Union-funded projects supported by the Asylum, Migration, and Integration Fund (AMIF). Furthermore, international organisations such as the UNHCR also collaborate in information provision activities.

The information provided to asylum applicants covers rights and obligations of the applicants, the step-by-step process of the asylum procedure, and the consequences of non-compliance or failure to cooperate with the process. Applicants are also informed about the potential consequences of withdrawing their application, either explicitly or implicitly.

The materials that inform applicants about the asylum procedure are produced and developed by the General Inspectorate for Immigration (GII) in collaboration with various NGOs and interpreters.

A combination of communication formats is employed to ensure that the information reaches applicants effectively. This includes written materials, oral communication, and audio-visual resources. The use of diverse formats helps accommodate different learning preferences and ensures that applicants have the information in a manner that suits their needs, whether they prefer reading, listening, or viewing content.

The information on the asylum procedure is provided in languages that applicants understand or are reasonably expected to understand.

Special attention is also given to vulnerable groups, such as unaccompanied minors (UAMs) and survivors of trafficking. Their rights and obligations are clearly communicated both orally and through written materials. For these applicants, there may also be additional measures, such as the appointment of a curator or an assigned representative, to assist them throughout the process.

Third-country nationals in detention are informed about the possibility to make an application for international protection orally by the personnel, at the moment they identify clues that they would be eligible to make an asylum claim as stated in Article 351 of Law No 122/2006 on asylum in Romania.

For more information: Romanian General Inspectorate for Immigration - Asylum Procedures Section

In Romania, asylum seekers are informed about the application of the Dublin III Regulation after they have applied for international protection and undergone fingerprinting.

Information about the Dublin procedure is provided by designated officials in Romania, in accordance with Articles 45 and 118 of Law No 122/2006 on asylum. These officials are responsible for explaining the rights and obligations of applicants under the Dublin III Regulation.

The information provided to applicants about the Dublin procedure is based on Article 4 of Regulation (EU) No 604/2013. This includes detailed explanations about the regulation’s purpose, which is to determine the Member State responsible for processing the asylum application and the right to a personal interview.

The information about the Dublin procedure is communicated both orally and through leaflets.

In addition to the common Dublin III information leaflet, Romania provides specific national information relevant to the asylum process.

A distinct leaflet is designed specifically for unaccompanied minors.

Once an applicant is notified of a transfer decision under the Dublin III Regulation, they receive information about legal remedies available to challenge the decision. This is provided in writing when the decision regarding the asylum procedure is communicated. The information includes details about the legal avenues available to the applicant, including the right to appeal or contest the decision. Additionally, applicants are informed about legal assistance available to them, with information on persons or entities (such as lawyers or NGOs) who can provide support and advice throughout the process.

For more information: Romanian General Inspectorate for Immigration - Asylum Procedures Section

At the first instance of the asylum process, during the phase of making an application, applicants are informed about the possibility of an admissibility interview. This information is primarily provided by designated officials (Articles 45 and 118 of Law No 122/2006 on asylum in Romania). Additionally, collaborating NGOs, such as the Romanian National Council for Refugees (CNRR), and international organisations like UNHCR, provide support and information within the framework of AMIF-funded projects. Information is provided orally, and an information brochure is handed to the applicant.

Information about the personal interview is also provided during the registering and lodging phases. The information provided covers the aim, purpose, and importance of the personal interview, as well as procedural details such as applicants’ rights and obligations during the interview. It also explains the role of the actors present during the interview, including the interpreter (if applicable), confidentiality, and the possibility of being provided with an interpreter. The General Inspectorate for Immigration (GII) personnel, as the competent authority, inform the applicants both orally and through written materials.

The process of information provision also includes informing applicants about the date and location of their personal interview. This is typically communicated through a written notice. During the interview, the information is repeated orally in the presence of the translator (if needed), and applicants receive a copy of the interview form which also mentions the information.

After the interview, applicants are also told about their ability to submit further evidence, with clear guidelines on the applicable timelines.

The designated officials provide oral information about the next steps in the asylum procedure. Additionally, NGOs like the Romanian National Council for Refugees and UNHCR offer information upon request, often in the context of AMIF-funded projects.

When a positive decision granting protection status is pronounced, applicants receive a copy of the decision, either in person or by mail. If the applicant is present, they are also informed orally about the next steps. The decision contains information about the applicant’s right to appeal (if applicable) and outlines the rights and obligations of the beneficiaries, as provided in Article 211 of Law No 122/2006 on asylum.

If a negative decision is pronounced, applicants are provided with information on their right to appeal, but they also receive information about the return process, including Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) options.

Applicants are further informed about the legal assistance available to them, especially in relation to lodging an appeal. If the applicant wishes to challenge the decision, the GII personnel will inform them about their right to free legal assistance during the appeal process. NGOs and UNHCR are also available to support applicants with legal advice if they seek further assistance.

Throughout the asylum process, applicants are informed about their right to consult with a legal adviser at their own cost (Law No 122/2006 on asylum). This information is provided at all stages of the procedure.

In addition to the right to consult a legal advisor, applicants are also informed about their right to free legal assistance and representation during the appeal procedure.

The GII personnel provide this information both orally and in writing. For further support, NGOs and UNHCR are available to provide additional guidance and assistance throughout the process.

During the identification phase, no specific information provision activities take place directly for the resettlement process.

The selection phase is when experts from the General Inspectorate for Immigration (GII) conduct information provision sessions daily before the interview process. These sessions are designed to help refugees understand the Romanian resettlement program, its selection process, as well as the rights and obligations they will have in Romania. The purpose of these interviews, the rights to be granted, and the expectations of the refugees in the process are also clearly explained.

In the pre-departure phase, selected refugees are invited to attend a cultural accommodation session, which provides a comprehensive understanding of what to expect upon arriving in Romania. The session covers practical aspects of settling into life in Romania, including cultural, linguistic, and civic orientation. This session is carried out by international organisations, which specialise in cultural integration and refugee support. The session typically lasts up to 5 days.

Information provision during the travel phase mainly involves logistical support for refugees as they prepare to depart.

Upon arrival in Romania, refugees undergo a reception process where they are given additional information about their immediate rights, available services, and further integration support.

Romania provides a structured orientation programme for individuals selected for resettlement, beginning in the pre-departure phase and continuing after their arrival in Romania. During the cultural accommodation session, held before departure, selected refugees receive information on social, cultural, and linguistic information, as well as practical advice on adjusting to Romanian society.

The cultural accommodation session is delivered by international organisations with expertise in refugee integration.

Experts from the GII use PowerPoint presentations, brochures, and videos to deliver information in the context of resettlement programmes.

In Romania, beneficiaries of international protection receive comprehensive information about their rights and obligations as soon as they are granted protection status. The information is provided by the staff of the General Inspectorate for Immigration (GII), experts on integration and assistance. This information is also presented in writing, translated into a language the beneficiary understands. Along with the GII, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) involved in Asylum, Migration, and Integration Fund (AMIF) projects also play a role in disseminating integration-related materials.

Once an individual has obtained an international form of protection, they are informed about the rights and obligations associated with their status. This information is provided when the applicant submits the necessary documents for the issuance of their identity document. The information covers key areas such as access to education, medical services, employment, and housing, all under the same conditions as Romanian citizens.

Beneficiaries of protection are also informed about the integration activities available to them. After obtaining international protection, they are provided with detailed information regarding the integration program. This includes non-refundable aid for participation in activities outlined in their individual integration plan and details about the accommodation conditions in GII Regional Centres. The materials handed to beneficiaries include the brochure on "Useful Information for Persons Who Have Obtained a Form of Protection", which provides an overview of their rights and obligations related to the integration process.

Once an individual is granted protection, they are also informed about their right to access the labour market in Romania. This right is granted on the same terms as Romanian citizens. Beneficiaries are also informed about the process for registering as a job seeker at the Employment Agency. This information is provided orally and in writing through information sheets. Again, NGOs supporting refugees under AMIF projects also help provide these details to beneficiaries, offering additional support where needed.

Additionally, beneficiaries of protection in Romania have access to education at all levels, and they are informed of this right as part of their orientation. This information is provided after the protection status has been granted and during the process of applying for an identity document. The beneficiaries are informed that they are entitled to education under the same conditions as Romanian citizens, and they receive guidance on the enrolment procedure in the educational system. Additionally, information is provided about Romanian language courses, which are organized by county school inspectorates in collaboration with the GII, as well as NGO-run language courses funded by the Asylum, Migration, and Integration Fund (AMIF).

Beneficiaries of protection are informed about their access to the social health insurance system in Romania, which is provided under the same conditions as for Romanian citizens. Beneficiaries are guided on how to register with a family doctor to access medical services. As with other information, this is provided in both written and oral formats.

After receiving international protection, beneficiaries are informed about the procedures for obtaining a residence permit. The GII provides instructions on how to proceed with obtaining this document. This information is shared in writing, and the beneficiary is required to sign a receipt confirming they received the information.

In Romania, asylum seekers are provided with essential information about their rights, obligations, and reception conditions at the arrival phase of the asylum procedure.

Upon arrival, asylum seekers receive a form that outlines their rights and obligations within the reception system. This form is part of a standard operating procedure (SOP) and is given to each person individually. Additionally, a PowerPoint presentation video is displayed in the reception area, providing asylum seekers with visual information about various aspects of life within the reception centre. This information covers topics such as accommodation, available assistance, house rules, and available services.

Group information sessions are organised for asylum seekers after their arrival. During these sessions, the GII staff and implementing partners provide detailed explanations about the reception conditions, available services, and special assistance that may be required. Asylum seekers can also ask questions during these sessions.

Asylum seekers are also informed about how to access legal assistance and support from international organisations and NGOs.

The materials used to inform asylum seekers are developed by the GII in collaboration with EUAA within the framework of the Operational Plan. These materials include printed documents, videos, and PowerPoint presentations.

Information is provided in a language that asylum seekers understand or are reasonably presumed to understand.

Romania is developing targeted information materials for individuals with special needs. These materials are expected to be developed further in collaboration with EUAA as part of the Operational Plan.

At the arrival phase, asylum seekers are informed about healthcare services available to them, which include access to medical care under the same conditions as Romanian citizens. This is communicated through the form provided at arrival and reinforced through the video in the reception area and group sessions.

Regarding education, asylum seekers are informed by GII staff at the arrival phase about their right to access the education system, including how to enrol in Romanian schools. During the asylum procedure, they receive further details through individual counselling and group sessions. Similarly, asylum seekers are also informed about their employment rights, which allow them to work under the same conditions as Romanian citizens once they have been granted asylum. Information about the employment registration process and available job seeker services is also shared at various points during the reception phase.

In Romania, when a third-country national is detained under the provisions of Article 19^7(1) of Law 122/2006 on asylum, they are informed about the reasons for their detention by the prosecutor responsible for their case. Similarly, when detained under Articles 19^13(1) or 19^14(1), the detainee is informed by the competent court.

The information is provided to detainees in both oral and written formats. The General Inspectorate for Immigration (GII) personnel are responsible for delivering this information, in accordance with Law No 122/2006 on asylum in Romania.