Local companies and public institutions will be able to conclude internship contracts with young people who are at least 16.

An intern will be allowed to work 6 hours a day, up to 30 hours per week, for 5 days followed by two consecutive days of rest. Overtime is forbidden during the internship program.

The Government endorsed the system yesterday, but needs the Parliament's approval. At the end of May, the Government announced that it would initiate consultations with public and private institutions and NGOs to develop a draft law regulating internship programs.

Interns are not allowed to exceed 5% of the total number of employees in an organization, according to the bill. The intern has the right to receive a monthly allowance, which is at least 50% of the gross minimum wage in Romania.

Companies hiring the interns after the internship period is over will receive a bonus of around EUR 1,000 per employee if they keep them for at least two years.

editor@romania-insider.com