Finding a Job in Romania: A Real-Life Guide to Avoiding Scams
If you’re looking for a job in a new country, it’s an exciting time. But with excitement, comes the risk of falling into a trap. In a world where money can corrupt trust, you must be extremely cautious. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so let’s talk about how to protect yourself.
I’m going to share some real-life truths that you won’t easily find on the internet. These are based on real events and experiences that people have gone through.
1. Fake Documents: Offer Letter, Agreement, and D-Form
Many agencies might try to trick you with fake documents. Here’s how to avoid this:
- Fake Offer Letter/Agreement: Always work with a trustworthy and reliable agency or agent. Ask for a video call or a direct call with the management or HR of the company you are supposed to work for. Also, ask for their website and phone numbers to verify them.
- Fake Work Permit: After you get your Work Permit (WP), you can verify it by emailing the IGI (General Inspectorate for Immigration).
- Fake D-Form: The D-form is your online visa application. You have the right to ask for a copy of this form, especially because you are investing a large amount of money (around LKR 15-20 lakhs) into this process.
- Check the Font: A real D-form is filled out using a specific font. If the font is different, it might be fake.
- Verify Company Data: Make sure the company details on the form are accurate.
- Barcode Check: Fake D-forms often have scannable barcodes that don’t match the printed number. You can easily check this by scanning the barcode.
- Quality Check: An edited D-form can often be identified by its print or image quality.
Remember, if you are given fake documents, you will likely never receive an embassy interview. They will give you excuses to waste your time and might return only a portion of your money. This is how some agencies make money: by tricking people and investing their money for a while before returning it.
2. Fake Visa: The Impossible Shortcut
It is not possible to get a visa in a short period of time, especially through bribes. If someone offers you a fast visa for money, it is almost certainly a fake. These can only be identified by experienced people. If you work with a reliable agency, you can avoid this problem.
3. Critical Questions to Ask Your Agency
When you sign the agreement, you must be very careful. Check these points:
- Does the agreement data match the work permit data?
- Is the salary at least the minimum required?
- Are the working hours, workplace, and job role clear?
- What are the other benefits?
- What is the name and address of your employer?
4. The “Manpower” Company Trap
Be very careful with so-called “manpower” companies in countries like Romania or the Middle East. They act as a middleman. They find workers from other countries and take a portion of their salary. Often, the salary, accommodation, and food promised in the agreement are not what you receive in reality. This can put you in a very difficult financial situation, especially if you have taken a bank loan to go abroad.
Conclusion: Trust, Knowledge, and Safety
This information is based on real-world experiences and is not something you can easily find online. By understanding the process and being careful, you can protect yourself and increase your chances of success. Your dream of a better life can become a reality if you start your journey with knowledge and awareness.