CDMiR 4 Ukraine: Raising awareness on human rights and equal treatment for Ukrainian refugees in Romania (2023)

“This guide is dedicated to migrants and beneficiaries of temporary protection who want to access the Romanian labour market. It provides a detailed introduction to the Romanian labour system, providing essential resources understanding the legal aspects of job search. The guide covers various aspects of the employment contract, provides information about its conclusion and content. It also addresses situations where the employer violates the rights in the employment contract or harassment occurs in the workplace”

UA: https://www.cnrr.ro/index.php/ro/blog-ro-2/integrare/565-guide-access-to-the-labor-market-ukrainian

RU: https://www.cnrr.ro/index.php/ro/blog-ro-2/integrare/564-guide-access-to-the-labor-market-russian

EN: https://www.cnrr.ro/index.php/ro/blog-ro-2/integrare/563-guide-access-to-the-labor-market

Ro: https://www.cnrr.ro/index.php/ro/blog-ro-2/integrare/562-ghid-accesul-la-piata-de-munca

OECD, UNHCR, (2018)

This document addresses the challenges and opportunities of integrating refugees into the labour market, focusing on the importance of employment for refugee integration. With over 65 million forcibly displaced persons globally, including 22.5 million refugees, the document emphasises that G20 and OECD countries host more than six million refugees. Recognizing refugees’ identified concerns of employment and housing, the document underscores the significance of empowering refugees to contribute to their well-being and communities. It highlights the role of the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF) in enabling refugees to use their skills, emphasising a collaborative effort among governments, public employment services, private recruitment agencies, and employers. The Action Plan, developed through regional dialogues, outlines ten key action areas, emphasising the need for navigating administrative frameworks, assessing skills, addressing skills gaps, ensuring equal opportunities, and sustaining scalable models for refugee employment.

https://www.unhcr.org/fr-fr/en/media/engaging-employers-hiring-refugees-10-point-multi-stakeholder-action-plan-employers-refugees  (09.01.2023)

UNHCR (2019)

This Education Brief introduces Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), encompassing education, training, and skills development in various occupational fields. TVET plays a crucial role in supporting economic development by aligning skilled workforce development with labour market needs. Operating at multiple educational levels, including work-based learning, TVET is instrumental in fostering lifelong learning and is an integral part of national education systems.

For TVET programming tailored to forcibly displaced persons, the guide emphasises inclusion, advocating for equal treatment in national TVET systems. It recommends policy development, collaboration with partners, and the formal inclusion of refugees in the economy. The guide also covers market orientation, support services, accreditation, teacher training, life skills development, technology integration, and bridging to the labour market. It encourages partnerships with various sectors to enhance program effectiveness and highlights cross-cutting considerations such as gender equality, environmental sustainability, and innovation.

https://www.unhcr.org/fr-fr/en/media/key-considerations-technical-and-vocational-education-and-training-tvet (09.01.2024)

Andrea Nispel (2019)

This guide is crafted for managers and customer-facing staff in job centres and public services, aiming to improve communication with migrants. The effective delivery of public services hinges on communication, yet various challenges arise, such as clients’ limited understanding, stress, and staff facing time constraints and the technical language of services. These difficulties are intensified when clients have limited English skills and different cultural perspectives.

Fortunately, this brochure provides concrete strategies and practical tips. Managers will find insights on supporting staff to assist clients with limited language skills, while all staff members can benefit from specific guidance to reflect on communication styles in our increasingly diverse working context. By implementing these recommendations, the guide seeks to enhance communication effectiveness, particularly in situations involving clients with limited English skills and diverse cultural backgrounds. The overarching goal is to create a more positive experience for both migrants and staff within job centres and public services.

https://www.ecml.at/Resources/ECMLresources/tabid/277/ID/101/language/en-GB/Default.aspx (09.01.2024)

Braddell A., Grunhage-Monetti M., Portefin C. and Sjosvard K. (2017)

This guide is for professionals supporting the linguistic integration of adult migrants, including those in language learning, integration programs, vocational education and training, human resources, adult education,  and labour market support services.

Successful integration of adult migrants depends on language skills and employment. Language proficiency is crucial for finding suitable employment, and employment, in turn, helps migrants develop their language skills.

For migrants arriving with limited language skills and no recognized qualifications, support to develop work-related language skills is essential.

The aim is to equip professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to contribute to the linguistic integration of adult migrants, emphasising the critical role of language skills in their successful employment and societal integration.

https://languageforwork.ecml.at/ResourceCentre/tabid/4074/InventoryID/221/language/en-GB/Default.aspx  (09.01.2024)

European Platfrom Undeclared Work

The document discusses Romania’s REVISAL, a digital register of employees managed by the Labour Inspectorate, aiming to streamline administrative processes and enhance labour inspections. It highlights the system’s contribution to reducing bureaucratic burdens, improving detection of undeclared work, and providing comprehensive details about individual employment contracts. Employers are required to input various contract-related information, contributing to increased transparency in employer-employee relationships. Key success factors include the availability of a desktop application, comprehensive guidelines, and the system’s integration into payroll software.

https://www.ela.europa.eu/sites/default/files/2021-09/RO-REVISAL%20system.pdf (09.01.2024)

FRA, Eurofund, (2023)

The document discusses the response of social services in host countries to the large influx of people displaced from Ukraine, emphasising the importance of swift access to the labour market for short-term and long-term integration. The Temporary Protection Directive (TPD) and EU Charter of Fundamental Rights highlight the right of displaced individuals to work under equal conditions. The European Commission’s guidance aims to ensure non-discrimination and address specific vulnerabilities. Integration measures, including access to public services, housing, education, health, and employment assistance, are crucial for successful labour market participation. Challenges such as housing, education, and mental health support are addressed, and recommendations for facilitating recognition of qualifications are provided.

https://fra.europa.eu/en/publication/2023/barriers-employment-displaced-ukrainians (09.01.2023)

UNHCR, (2022)

The document provides information on the situation of Ukrainian refugees in Romania as of early December 2022. Over 7.8 million refugees have fled Ukraine, with 98,000 in Romania. A Multi-Sector Needs Assessment (MSNA) was conducted to understand the demographic profile, needs, and intentions of these refugees. Key findings include the average age of the head of household being 40.5 years, 78% being women, and 75% of household members being female. Employment challenges were noted, with 51% having a different professional status in Romania, and 80% reported not working. Healthcare barriers, education challenges, and accommodation preferences were also highlighted. The document emphasises the importance of addressing refugees’ needs and ensuring their socio-economic resilience. 

https://repository.impact-initiatives.org/document/reach/29ffbc17/ROU2204_REACH_Romania_2022_MSNA_Report-1.pdf (09.01.2023)

Legrain, Philippe, (2017)

The document outlines strategies to swiftly integrate refugees and asylum seekers into the workforce, with a specific emphasis on entry-level jobs. Drawing on research from 22 advanced economies receiving significant numbers of refugees, it presents 16 policy recommendations, highlighting effective practices and innovative approaches. The report underscores the importance of rapid employment for refugees, facilitating their integration into society and dispelling misconceptions of being a burden. It emphasises the need for governments, NGOs, and businesses to collaborate, addressing hurdles such as trauma, discrimination, and bureaucratic challenges refugees face in securing employment.

https://www.tent.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/TENT_StepUp_Final.pdf (09.01.2023)