The number of Romanians in the Netherlands has risen considerably since Romania entered the EU in 2007. The overall image of Romanians is negative, although the majority of Romanian immigrants live outside the spot light. Media reports focus on crime and disturbances. The public debate highlights possible disadvantages of immigration from new EU Member States. Some fear that Romanians (and Poles and Bulgarians) take over certain areas of the job market as cheap labour. Others are concerned about the concentration of Romanians in problem districts in large cities, or about the poor working conditions for Romanians.
FORUM conducted in 2010 a study into these new immigrants. Two years ago, a similar study was carried out for Polish immigrants. This allows a comparison between Polish and Romanian immigrants to be made, for example regarding the likelihood they will continue residing in the Netherlands or will (r)emigrate.
|