From January to September, Romania granted a total of 77,426 work permits for non-EU citizens, receiving some of the highest rates of immigrant workers ever.
According to data by the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI), out of the total number of permits issued during this period, 76,713 or 99 per cent, were granted to permanent workers – an all-time high record, Schengen.News reports.
The remaining were issued for different types of employment, including positions for skilled workers (310), seasonal workers (214), poster workers (151), and workers transferred within the same company (37).
Romania Turns to Foreign Countries to Help With Immigrant Workers
As the labour shortage in Romania is increasing, the authorities have turned to non-EU countries to import labour from, with Vietnam being one of these countries.
According to Evenimentul Zilei, Argeș County wants to bring many workers from Vietnam who could help fill in market gaps. There are over 4,000 Vietnamese students and post-graduates in Romania, which proves that the integration of Vietnamese into the Romanian workforce could be more natural compared to other nationalities.
However, Romania has another issue when it comes to immigrant workers. Romanian authorities have reported that non-EU citizens arriving on work visas are attempting to cross the border into the Schengen zone.
According to Filimon Pitea, Head of the Accommodation Centre for Foreigners Taken in Public Custody in Arad, most of these migrants come from Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
Up to 300,000 Workers Needed in 2025 for Romania to Maintain Its Economy
The local market in Romania is estimated to be in need of 200,000 to 250,000 foreign workers in 2025, many of whom are needed in construction and hospitality areas.
Melania Pop, Business Development Manager at International Work Finder (IWF), commented that up to 300,000 workers could help Romania’s economy to maintain its levels.
Some of the sectors that are facing labour shortages in Romania include postal and courier services, staff contracting, restaurants, road freight transport, and protection and guard services.
Source: https://schengen.news/romania-issued-over-77000-work-permits-this-year-in-efforts-to-fill-market-gaps/
