Romania, increasingly attractive for immigrants       

Romania attracts an increasing number of foreign workers, who come to the country for higher salaries and better working conditions.

Mihai Pelin, 27.09.2024, 13:50

Romania attracts an increasing number of foreign workers, who come to the country for higher salaries and better working conditions.

Romania is becoming increasingly attractive for foreign workers, according to a study carried out by the Civil Society Development Foundation. In recent years, the labor market has seen a significant increase in the number of foreign employees, exceeding the 200,000 threshold in 2023. This trend reflects an increasing diversification of the workforce, at a time when the country is facing a crisis of human resources in certain sectors.

There are several reasons why Romania is becoming a favorite destination for foreign workers. First, the wages offered are often higher compared to those in their home countries, especially for Asian workers. In addition, many Romanian and international companies operating in Romania face a shortage of skilled labor, and bringing in workers from abroad becomes an attractive solution. Although foreign workers contribute to economic growth, they also deal with many challenges, such as abuse by employers.

According to the study, the countries of origin of most foreign workers in Romania are Nepal, Turkey, Italy, the Republic of Moldova, Sri Lanka and India. Foreign labor force is hired mostly in sectors like constructions, hospitality and retail. Data from the General Inspectorate for Immigration show that 80% of them do unskilled work.

The integration of foreign workers is not easy, but it is important for Romania’s economic growth, says Ramona Chiriac, head of the European Union Representation in Romania. Ramona Chiriac: “The FDSC study will highlight the language barriers, the ill-adjusted legislation regarding social insurance, in some cases a limited access of workers to quality public services, the various abuses by employers, all of which require new appropriate public policies to transform this phenomenon in a success story, both for Romania and for those who come to Romania.”

On her part, Victoria Stoiciu, state counsellor with the Prime Minister’s Chancellery, said that the representatives of several ministries are working jointly on a legislative framework to help immigrants. This would mean strengthening state control institutions, such as the Labor Inspectorate and ensuring decent working conditions, good wages and protection against human trafficking for immigrants. Hiring foreign workers is a win-win situation, increasing companies’ efficiency and productivity, while workers enjoy better working and living conditions.

Cultural and linguistic differences can, however, create communication barriers, and the working and living conditions for these workers are not always optimal. However, many of them say they are satisfied with the opportunities found in Romania, appreciating both the stability of their jobs and the possibility of sending money home to support their families.