The interim Minister of Internal Affairs, Catalin Predoiu, had a meeting on Wednesday with a World Bank delegation, during which he highlighted the decrease in illegal migration registered at Romania's borders, of approximately 70% compared to previous years.

The discussions aimed to present some preliminary elements of the document 'White Paper: A Migration Policy Framework for Romania's Decade Ahead'/'White Paper: A Migration Policy Framework for Romania's Decade Ahead', currently being prepared by the World Bank, as well as to carry out a constructive exchange of opinions on them, considering the role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the field of migration, informs a press release from the ministry sent to AGERPRES on Wednesday.

Predoiu stressed that illegal migration remains a priority on the agenda of national authorities, similar to border protection. In this context, he pointed out the significant decreases registered at Romania's borders, of approximately 70% compared to previous years, a result attributed to significant investments in logistics, personnel and excellent cooperation with Hungary, Bulgaria and other neighbors.

The document aims to support the development of a forward-looking strategic framework to guide Romania's approach to migration in the next decade. In this context, the contribution of the relevant ministries is essential to ensure the alignment of the proposed recommendations with national priorities in the field of migration. The White Paper is to be launched at the Migration Forum, organized by the Romanian Institute for Migration Policies this autumn, where the conclusions and recommendations of the document will be presented, the press release reads.

Minister Predoiu mentioned the Ministry of Interior's constant interest in the World Bank's studies, which he described as extremely useful, as well as the value of the partnership developed in addressing complex challenges in the field of migration.

'We are building a system that responds to the real needs of the labor market through legal channels, protects foreign workers against exploitation, prevents abuses of the system and maintains public trust,' Predoiu said, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The discussions also offered the opportunity to review the new legislative amendments in the field of legal migration, which, together with the recently acquired status of a member state with full rights in the Schengen area and the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum, may influence the evolution of the Romanian labor market, the Ministry of Internal Affairs added.

'The partners appreciated the efforts made by Romania in the area of legal migration, showing that our country can become attractive for highly qualified workers. They also highlighted the progress made in managing the phenomenon at the national level, avoiding fragmentation generated by the different competences of the responsible institutions,' the MIA also reported.

The World Bank delegation was led by Chief Economist Dhushyanth Raju.AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Daniel Alexandru Florea, editing by: Claudia Stanescu; EN - writing by: Catalin Cristian Trandafir)

Display count: 488