A recent incident in Bucharest has brought back into discussion the challenges and experiences of foreign workers living in Romania. Rehan, an Asian delivery worker, spoke openly about how he adapted to life in the capital and how he perceives Romanians after spending several years here. His statements sparked numerous reactions online, where thousands of people expressed solidarity with the expat community that contributes daily to city life.

First impressions of Bucharest

When asked about his first days in Romania, Rehan did not hide the difficulties of the beginning:

“I was shocked the first time I came. I didn’t know how to deliver, I didn’t know the language. I came here and there was a woman outside. I asked where this address was. And instead of answering, she said: come with me, son. Romanians are very kind,” he recalled.

Adapting was not easy, but his experience with locals convinced him that, despite linguistic and cultural barriers, there is openness and support. Today, he says he does not feel like he is abroad, but rather integrated into a community that welcomed him with open arms.

“I wouldn’t move to another country. I feel at home”

After three years in Bucharest, the delivery worker admits his perception has completely changed:

“In three years, nothing like this has happened. Honestly, I wouldn’t move to another country. Because, really, I don’t feel like I’m away from home. I feel at home. I have so many friends in Romania. They call me boss, I call them boss,” he said.

His words emphasize that, despite a recent isolated xenophobic attack, his everyday life is marked by solidarity, respect and friendships.

Romanians’ reactions to his story

The video in which Rehan shared his experience quickly went viral on social media. Many Romanians sent messages of encouragement, stressing that foreign workers are now an important part of society.

One widely shared comment stood out:

“I’ve never seen a Nepali begging at Unirii. Never seen a Nepali running scams in the Old Town. I see them every day on Glovo or Bolt, bringing us food. I see them building our houses, sweeping our streets. Respect for all people who earn their bread honestly, the same way many Romanians do abroad.”

Such reactions highlight that, beyond an isolated case of violence, Romanian society recognizes the essential role expats play in the economy and in daily life.

A small piece of bread shared with loved ones

Another emotional comment described the reality of Asian workers in Romania:

“I’ve seen them cooking our food in fast-food restaurants, I’ve seen them on rooftops in 40-degree heat, laying tar. They send 50 euros back home, not to build villas, but because they came here out of hunger. And they found a piece of bread in Romania. Dry, small or crumbly, but one they share with their loved ones.”

This testimony reflects not only the personal sacrifices of foreign workers, but also the respect that many Romanians are beginning to show towards those who left everything behind for work abroad.

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The incident that sparked the debate

The background to these discussions is a serious incident at the end of August, when a young Asian delivery worker was assaulted in Bucharest. The attacker hit him in the face and shouted that he should “go back to his country.” The aggressor was immediately detained by an off-duty police officer, and later placed under preventive arrest for 30 days.

Romanian President Nicușor Dan condemned the act, declaring that “such xenophobic violence represents a direct attack on the fundamental values of our society.” The Embassy of Bangladesh in Romania also thanked authorities for their reaction and encouraged Bangladeshi citizens working in the country not to lose trust.

Everyday life for expats in Bucharest

Rehan’s experience is representative of thousands of Asian workers who now live and work in the Romanian capital. Most are employed in delivery services, construction, cleaning, retail or food services. They are highly visible in the city and often fill important labor shortages faced by local companies.

Although they face challenges such as language barriers, homesickness or occasional prejudice, many choose to stay because they feel welcomed and find opportunities for a better life.

The story of this Asian delivery worker shows how complex the experience of expats in Bucharest can be. Between hardships and solidarity, between isolated acts of hostility and daily gestures of kindness, the reality is that many of them now feel part of the city.

As Rehan himself said: “I don’t feel like I’m away from home. I feel at home.”

These words, coming from someone who arrived as a stranger but now feels integrated, may be the strongest proof that Bucharest has the potential to be not just a workplace, but a home for people from all corners of the world.