Rising Violence Against Foreign Workers in Romania

Romania is grappling with escalating violence and tensions involving foreign workers, a reflection of a deeply divided society. Two recent incidents, the chaotic brawl between Romanian and Sri Lankan workers at the ARAMIS Group furniture factory in Baia Mare, and a brutal xenophobic attack on a Bangladeshi delivery worker in Bucharest, have ignited fierce public controversy and nationwide protests.

Baia Mare: Clash in the Factory

On a tense night in August 2025, a dispute over a jar of adhesive between Romanian and Sri Lankan employees escalated into a full-scale fight inside Baia Mare’s ARAMIS Group factory. Workers exchanged blows and used sticks amid a charged atmosphere of cultural and economic tension. Factory security and police intervened swiftly, preventing serious injuries.

The company described the incident as isolated, but underlying workplace strains fueled by heavy workloads and cultural divides remain evident.

Bucharest: A Hate Crime Ignites Protest

In Bucharest, a Bangladeshi food delivery worker was attacked by a man shouting xenophobic slurs and ordering him to leave the country because he is an invader. The assault was recorded by the attacker and shared widely online, shocking the public.

An off-duty policeman saw the incident and captured the attacker, who was later taken into custody and arrested.

Adding to the unrest, Dan Tănasă, a Romanian parliament member from the nationalist AUR party, called on citizens to refuse deliveries made by foreign workers. His inflammatory message has amplified tensions and fueled large protests against migrant labour across Romania.

A Nation Divided

Romanian society stands split. While many call for tolerance and respect toward foreign workers who fill critical labour shortages, others fear economic displacement and cultural erosion. Massive protests, largely driven by nationalist groups, demand strict immigration controls and prioritise Romanian workers, deepening social rifts.

Persistent labour shortages compel companies to hire migrant workers who are willing to accept harsh conditions and lower wages, fueling resentment among local workers. Political rhetoric exploiting these grievances has intensified hostility, leaving migrant workers vulnerable amid weak legal protections.

Romania faces a crossroads. Bridging divides demands honest dialogue, strengthened protections for all workers, responsible political discourse, and integration efforts. Without concerted action, growing unrest threatens to erode the social fabric and undermine economic stability.