Romanian parents wishing to work abroad can have their children cared for by relatives

A new draft initiative adopted by the Romanian Senate rules new norms on the protection of minor children whose parents leave the country to work abroad. All Romanian citizens are compelled to choose a member of their family to care for their children while they are gone, otherwise they are liable to pay a 2,500 lei to 10,000 lei fine.

Parents need to notify authorities of their intention to leave the country 40 days prior to their departure. They need to leave the children in the care of a relative in order to avoid paying the fine. The law is applicable if both parents work temporary abroad. The person entitled to take care of the child/children needs to be capable of pursuing their obligations.

Moreover, the initiative obliges teachers to notify authorities if they notice anything wrong with the child whose parents are abroad. Teachers can get a 5,000 lei to 15,000 lei fine if they fail to announce authorities.