Labour Market in Romania in Times of Migration

Abstract

In the context of emigration and negative demographic trends, legal immigration can be a solution to compensate for the labor shortage on the domestic labor market, to cover the shortages for certain qualifications and to support economic growth. Such an approach implies an efficient management of immigration, given that foreign workers replace the absence of the national labor force on the labor market. One of the measures taken by the Romanian Government, in order to cover the labor shortage on the domestic market, consists in establishing the quota of newly admitted foreign workers on the labor market. Government Decision No. 10/2025 sets a quota of 100,000 foreign workers to be admitted into Romania's labor market in 2025. As per Article 36 of the Romanian Labor Code, foreign nationals can be employed if they have the necessary legal status and a work permit. Under Government Ordinance No. 194/2002, foreigners with a valid residence visa may be hired if their employer has obtained an employment permit from the General Inspectorate for Immigration. Generally, employers must secure this permit before hiring a foreign worker, except in specific cases. According to Article 3, a single permit is issued by the General Inspectorate for Immigration for foreigners granted temporary residence rights for work, making a visa unnecessary. Additionally, a residence permit for secondment confirms a foreign national’s right to reside and work in Romania under a secondment arrangement.

Received: 27 April 2025 / Accepted: 22 June 2025 / Published: 25 June 2025