3–4 November 2026 | Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania & online
The international scientific workshop “From Asia to the EU – Labour Migration and Social Protection” brings together researchers, academics and practitioners to discuss labour migration from Asia to the European Union, with a particular focus on social protection, transnational family experiences and the challenges faced by migrant workers and their families across borders.
The workshop provides a space for interdisciplinary dialogue and knowledge exchange, connecting academic research with practical perspectives on the ways social protection is accessed and experienced by migrant workers and their families. Discussions address the roles of institutions, markets, third-sector organisations and personal networks in providing support across countries of origin and destination.
The programme features a keynote lecture, research presentations and panel discussions, offering opportunities to share empirical findings, explore emerging challenges and advance academic debate on labour migration and transnational social protection.
Special Cultural Event: Theatre Performance
As part of the workshop programme, the theatre performance “Here, There, Nowhere – The Romanian Dream” will take place on 3 November 2026. Written and directed by Crista Bilciu, and featuring Arjo Shashankay and Anda Saltelechi, the performance explores the hopes, challenges and experiences of migrant workers who come to Romania in search of a better future.
The performance is documented by the Centre for Legal Resources (CRJ) and organised in collaboration with the “Collaborative Practices in Performing Arts” master's programme at the Faculty of Theatre and Film, Babeș-Bolyai University. Through an artistic approach, it brings the human experiences behind labour migration into dialogue with the workshop's themes of social protection, vulnerability and belonging.
Workshop Programme
The programme includes a keynote lecture, research presentations and panel discussions across two days, bringing together different perspectives on labour migration and social protection.
The workshop and theatre performance are organised within CASTLE2 – Caring for the Vulnerable: Transnational Social Protection of Bangladeshi Migrants’ Families in the EU, funded by the European Union through ICMPD’s Migration Partnership Facility.
