Irregular Bangladeshi workers in Romania get pathway to legal status under new amnesty rule

Bangladeshi workers living in irregular status in Romania may now have an opportunity to legalise their stay, following a new government ordinance introducing a conditional amnesty programme.

The provision comes under Emergency Ordinance No. 32, issued on 23 April 2026, and published in the official gazette on 27 April. Under Article 52 of the amnesty programme, non-European Union foreign workers who have fallen into irregular status for various reasons can apply to regularise their stay, subject to specific conditions.

The Bangladesh Embassy in Bucharest has welcomed the move in a statement, noting that it could benefit a large number of Bangladeshi nationals who became undocumented despite initially entering the country through legal channels.

Many workers reportedly become irregular after arriving on valid work visas but failing to secure employment within the required 90-day period. In other cases, irregularities arise due to employer-related issues, such as failure to deposit deducted taxes or delays in processing Temporary Residence Cards (TRC).

Under the new rules, affected workers must contact Romanian immigration authorities within 60 days of the law's enactment. To qualify for legal status, they are required to secure a new, valid employer, obtain a work permit, and subsequently apply for a residence card.

However, the embassy cautioned that the process may involve initial complexities, as the system is newly introduced. Workers have been advised to seek assistance from the embassy if needed.

The amnesty, however, does not apply to individuals who have already received return decisions or those who entered Romania illegally. Final decisions on applications will rest with Romanian immigration authorities.

The opportunity to regularise status is expected to remain valid until 31 December 2026.