Working in Romania
The latest from the Romanian labor market
Sorin Iordan, 05.06.2025, 14:00
Seven out of ten companies in Romania want to use artificial intelligence software, according to a study conducted in the first quarter of the year in 31 countries located in Central and South-Eastern Europe, as well as in Central Asia. For companies in Romania, innovation is a top priority and around 60% are investing in innovation and strategic marketing, more than their European counterparts. In addition, 67% are improving their websites and 63% are implementing customer relationship management systems, highlighting the transition towards digitization and automation. According to the labor market study, the outlook is optimistic and 46% of companies forecast long-term hiring. However, almost 70% are facing difficulties in finding qualified workforce, and almost 80% are concerned about rising labor costs and claim that effective personnel management strategies are becoming essential for attracting and retaining talent. Data shows that 90% of Romanian entrepreneurs are concerned about geopolitical risks, and over 80% are facing the effects of inflation.
The UMB Group, controlled by Romanian entrepreneur Dorin Umbrărescu, announced that it is restarting the steelworks in Oţelu Roşu with an investment of approximately €300 million. The relaunch of this unit will bring new economic benefits to western Romania and will create hundreds of jobs by 2026. Rehabilitation works have already begun, according to the mayor of Oţelu Roşu, Grigore Goja. He said that works are currently underway to renovate and rehabilitate the steel plant, starting with two furnaces and installing at least one rolling mill. In the first phase, billet will be produced, which will be processed in Caraş-Severin, followed by the production of concrete and wire for the national infrastructure. Starting February, UMB Steel has been recruiting for the new plant, targeting mainly unskilled workers and heavy equipment operators. In the first phase, approximately 150 people were hired, and by 2026, the total number of employees is estimated to reach 300-400. After production starts, steelworkers, casters, roll formers, locksmiths and electricians will also be hired. The Oţelu Roşu steel plant has been documented as early as 1796, during the Habsburg Empire. Over the years, the plant has undergone multiple transformations and ownership changes, being permanently shut down in 2012, due to aggregate debt.
Approximately 16,000 foreign citizens are registered in Cluj County, in northwestern Romania, according to data published by the local Immigration Service. Most are here to work or study. In general, citizens from the European Union come to study, while most of the workers come from Asia. Deputy Commissioner Ciprian Tamaş from the Cluj County Immigration Service said that since the start of the year and until now, 2,000 residence permits have been issued, of which 1,800 for employment. Most of these were received by citizens from Nepal, 600, followed by those from Sri Lanka, 400, and from India, 200. Tamaş also indicated that they work mainly in constructions, services, courier services and hotels and restaurants. The Deputy Commissioner warned that foreign workers are required to reside at the address mentioned in the documents and that, according to the legislation, the Immigration Service also has responsibilities in checking the places where they are accommodated. Following such checks, Service representatives identified accommodation spaces where over 20 workers from Asia were living. The rooms were, however, large enough to ensure the minimum conditions imposed by hygiene standards, Ciprian Tamaş said. (VP)
