The Migrant Integration Policy Index III Report (MIPEX III) has revealed the fact that Romania has registered in terms of long-term residency a score below the European average (31 countries were assessed), having hard to meet conditions by immigrants and the uncertainty of obtaining favorable results.

The EU average is 59 points. Romania obtained 54 points, thus being in the 41-59 area (not favorable, not unfavorable) and garnering the 23rd position out of 31. The last is Great Britain which received only 31 points with respect to MIPEX II (74 point), thus being considered unfavorable (1-20). The next to last country is Cyprus which obtained 37 points with respect to MIPEX II (41 points).

The first place is taken up by Belgium with 79 points, which had a 15% growth with respect to MIPEX II. Second place is Spain – 78 points – (MIPEX II – 72). Sweden obtained the same score, all three countries registering favorable results (80-100 points).
’’Potential long-term residents have to deal with the same obstacles in 2010 and have the same opportunities as in 2007. There are basically no changes where UE minimal legal standards are applied. The countries that need to conform are recuperating (Belgium +15, Portugal +14, Spain +6), while countries which do not need to conform may suffer a steep decline (Great Britain -43)”, shows the study. In the most favorable situation, legal immigrants have the right to decide of they stay permanently in a country, the solicitation procedure being free and short-lasting. In case their request is approved, immigrants will have the same rights and responsibilities as the other citizens. In Romania’s case, those who can apply may be excluded based on harsher conditions than in other countries.

On the whole, Romania obtained a better percentage (54%) in long-term residency, compared to political participation (8%) and immigrant access to education (20%).

Source: Migrant Integration Policy Index III - www.mipex.eu