More than 7,400 migrants were intercepted in Romania in 2023 while attempting to cross the border irregularly, according to local authorities. InfoMigrants visited the country's border area with Hungary.
In 2023, more than 7,400 migrants were prevented from irregularly crossing Romania's border with Hungary, Arad County border police spokesperson Dinsa Andrei Alexandru told InfoMigrants reporters on Monday (May 6).
Bangladeshis topped the list of attempted irregular border crossings last year, with 3,135 individuals detained from January 1 to December 31, 2023.
Many initially arrived in Romania with valid work permits or visas but later attempted to cross into Western European countries.
Pakistan came second in the ranking of South Asian countries for attempted border crossings, with 810 citizens intercepted. The Romanian border police spokesperson added that some 359 individuals from Nepal, 330 from Sri Lanka and 220 from India were also stopped at the border.
A trilateral cooperation at border
In an April 26 interview with InfoMigrants at the contentious Nadlac-2 border crossing between Romania and Hungary, Andrei Alexandru explained how officers patrol and secure the area.
Typically, he explained, migrants trying to cross hide in cargo lorries, trucks or private cars.
He noted the presence of numerous Turkish-registered freight vehicles along the border, often linked to human trafficking allegations. Discussions between Romanian, Hungarian and Turkish authorities have been ongoing for years to address these automobiles.
Following successful negotiations, Turkey agreed to send officers to support Romanian and Hungarian authorities in patrolling the vehicles. Turkish officers have been assisting in Hungary since December 2021 and in Romania since March 2022.
The arrangement operates under an agreement between Romania and Turkey, sanctioned by Bucharest.
Additionally, the Romanian Border Police said similar cross-border security measures are taking place on the Rozke highway between Hungary and Serbia.
The Romanian authorities say joint cooperation among the three countries is crucial to combat irregular migration on the Balkan route.
Additionally, they said, the training Turkish police officers obtain in their duties abroad could aid them in better combating irregular migration in Turkey.
Over 35,000 Bangladeshis were issued visas
Bangladesh's ambassador to Romania, Md Daud Ali, spoke with InfoMigrants in Bucharest on April 30.
"Those facilitating work visas for Bangladeshis frequently conceal details about gross and net salary, leading to immigrant frustration upon arrival in Romania," he explained.
"Consequently, many resort to illegal border crossings, creating opportunities for human traffickers. To tackle this issue, we've proposed to Romanian authorities the translation of employment contracts into both Romanian and English."
He continued: "Some private companies have profited from issuing work permits to migrants without actually providing work. Consequently, many migrants find themselves without proper employment, leading to irregular status. We've urged Romanian authorities to be more selective in issuing work permits."
"Bangladesh previously didn't have an embassy in Romania, but now we're actively combating misinformation through social media and meetings with migrants. We've also requested Romanian ministries to regularize migrants with valid visas."
Between April 24 and April 30, InfoMigrants interviewed immigrants from various South Asian countries, including Bangladeshis, across Romania. While many on work visas reported success, some faced complications.
Despite many Bangladeshis obtaining visas for Romania, the number staying in the country regularly is low.
The ambassador confirmed a recent decrease in visa issuance, noting changes since Romania joined the Schengen zone on March 31.