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The International Organization for Migration (IOM) together with the Quality of Life Research Institute (ICCV) of the Romanian Academy, is carrying out a study among migrants from Romania regarding, with the aim of finding the best ways to support their integration into Romanian society. The study, which started in November 2023 and will be completed in May 2024, is based on a survey of migrants conducted using mixed methods of data collection and combining face-to-face interviews with online self-completion. The questionnaire is available in seven languages (Arabic, English, Hindi, Romanian, Spanish, Turkish, Vietnamese), their selection being determined by the size of the migrant communities in Romania, as well as by the languages that have the highest international circulation. Face-to-face interviews are conducted by field operators provided by IOM, who have specialized training in intercultural communication and working with vulnerable groups.
The research investigates the intentions of migrants, the challenges they face once they settle in Romania, the level of social inclusion and the elements that facilitate or hinder this process, the perceived quality of life and the degree of connection to social networks in Romania, as well as those in the country of origin. In addition, information is collected about the country of origin, the individual migration history, the reasons for leaving the country of origin and those that led to the choice of Romania as the country of destination, as well as information about the socio-demographic status of the interviewed person (age, education, professional history, marital status).
Upon its completion, the study will allow the analysis of the relationships between the characteristics of the country of origin and the degree of inclusion in Romania, of the connection between the culture of the country of origin and the individual strategies that migrants use to overcome the challenges raised by contact with Romanian society. The study represents a valuable source of information that paves the way for the analysis of the challenges brought by immigration to the Romanian society and gives the possibility of substantiating public policies in the field of migration starting from empirical results.
More data will be provided on the website of IOM Romania starting in May 2024.