In a continued effort to safeguard the welfare of Sri Lankan migrant workers in Romania, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Romania, Madurika Joseph Weninger engaged in a productive discussion with the Country Head of Office of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Romania, Mircea Mocanu, and his team, in the last week of March 2025. This meeting marked a critical milestone in the ongoing collaboration between the Embassy of Sri Lanka and the IOM, focusing on addressing the challenges faced by Sri Lankan expatriate workers in Romania and exploring avenues for future cooperation.
A key highlight of the meeting was the confirmation by IOM and the General Inspectorate of Romania that the total official number of Sri Lankan expatriate workers registered in Romania is nearly 20,000. This underscores the significant presence of the Sri Lankan nationals in the country and the importance of continued efforts to support their well-being.
The meeting was a follow-up to the roundtable held on 12 December 2024 at Romania’s Ministry of Interior, which brought together key stakeholders from various governmental and international organizations to discuss the growing issue of trafficking in persons. The roundtable, organized by the National Agency Against Trafficking in Persons of Romania, highlighted the increasing vulnerability of migrant workers to exploitation, trafficking, and unsafe working conditions. Representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the General Inspectorate, the Department of Immigration, and the Ministry of Interior, along with South Asian Embassies, participated in this crucial dialogue.
During the March meeting, Ambassador Weninger emphasized the persistent challenges faced by Sri Lankan workers in Romania. She underscored the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to address these issues and ensure that Sri Lankan expatriates are adequately protected and integrated into Romanian society.
In response, IOM’s Head of Office, Mocanu reiterated the IOM’s commitment to improving the welfare and legal protections of migrant workers. Key initiatives discussed included the introduction of Romanian language courses designed to help Sri Lankan workers overcome communication barriers, thus enabling them to interact more effectively with employers, authorities, and local communities. This initiative aims to empower workers with the skills necessary to navigate their new environment, enhancing their prospects for safer employment and better working conditions.
Both parties also agreed on the importance of raising awareness among Sri Lankan migrant workers about their legal rights. Plans were outlined to organize workshops and information sessions focused on labour rights, dispute resolution, and the prevention of exploitation. IOM expressed its support for enhancing welfare services, such as mental health services, emergency medical care, and access to health insurance, which would help mitigate the vulnerabilities faced by Sri Lankan workers.
Ambassador Weninger proposed the launch of public awareness campaigns to inform both Sri Lankan and other expatriate workers in Romania about their rights and the risks of trafficking and exploitation. These campaigns would promote a safer, more informed workforce and ensure that all legal expatriates are aware of the support services available to them. Additionally, Ambassador Weninger suggested that for newly arriving Sri Lankan workers, comprehensive orientation programmes—including basic language skills training—be provided by the IOM before their departure, to better prepare them for integration in Romania and reduce potential challenges upon arrival.
Ambassador Weninger and Attaché of the Embassy, R. Ratheesparan visited the IOM headquarters in Bucharest, where they observed the organization’s initiatives aimed at supporting South Asian workers in Romania, on 27 March 2025. During the visit, the Ambassador interacted with IOM staff, including those involved in the Romanian language courses, and gained insights into the various programmes designed to improve the welfare and integration of migrant workers.
As part of this ongoing partnership, the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Bucharest and IOM will work together to ensure that the expatriates visiting the Embassy for consular services are informed about the available support programmes. This collaboration ensures that workers seeking assistance are aware of the vital resources and support provided by IOM.
Ambassador Weninger recognized the significant contributions made by Sri Lankan workers to Romania’s economy and emphasized that improving their working conditions will further solidify the relationship between the two countries.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to ensuring that Sri Lankan workers can contribute safely, securely, and with dignity to Romania’s economy. Both parties pledged to closely monitor the progress of these initiatives and work together to ensure their success in the months ahead.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Bucharest
03 April 2025
