Some Considerations on the Practical Issues Related to Illegal Migration in Romania

Ioan Lazăr

doi:10.47078/2024.1.245-280

Ioan Lazăr Associate Professor, PhD, habil; ‘1 Decembrie 1918’ University of Alba Iulia, PhD Thesis Coordinator, ‘Nicolae Titulescu’ University of Bucharest https://orcid.org/0009-0005-8125-3468

DOI: https://doi.org/10.47078/2024.1.245-280

Keywords: asylum policy, migration, migration crisis, EU external border protection, illegal migration, illegal push-backs, readmission agreements

Abstract

After the peak of migration caused by the Syrian War in 2015, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has increased the challenges for European countries in the domain of migration. EU countries need to ensure efficient control at the external borders of the EU and identify, at the national level, proper mechanisms for tackling illegal migration and and finding a solution to the problem of rejected asylum seekers. The objectives of EU and national immigration policies are to maintain security and stability in the European Area, protect EU external borders, and control organized crime. This paper examines some practical issues related to migration in Romania, a country situated at the intersection of migration routes (one coming from Russia to Hungary, The Western Balkan Route and the Southern Migration Route). It presents the challenges related to asylum, integration, labour market demands, and security risks this country faces. Adopting effective immigration policies and integration measures is essential in managing migration and ensuring the protection of fundamental rights for those seeking international protection, strengthening the asylum system, raising public awareness, and addressing security concerns. The paper highlights the issues the Romanian national authorities faced in their efforts to ensure the security of EU external borders.

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