Romania Streamlines the Process of Hiring Workers from Asia

Romania has made significant progress in streamlining the process of bringing foreign workers from Asia into the country. Previously, the required paperwork could take six to eight months to process. A joint effort between several entrepreneurs and the Romanian Employers' Association for Labor Importers has since resulted in a new consular section in Asia, making the process considerably faster.

A new consular section

The Romanian Employers' Association for Labor Importers worked with a group of entrepreneurs to establish the new consular section. While Kathmandu, Nepal was initially considered, Dhaka, Bangladesh was ultimately chosen as the more favorable location, helping to speed up the processing of work permits and related documents for foreign workers. The new section is intended to streamline the process of importing labor from Asian countries into the Romanian workforce, and both the entrepreneurs involved and the Association are looking forward to working closely with Bangladeshi authorities.

Why employers are recruiting from Asia

Recruiting foreign workers can offer real advantages to businesses operating in Romania, particularly in addressing skill shortages in sectors such as IT, construction, and healthcare. Workers with specialized skills and expertise can fill key positions that are otherwise difficult to staff locally, while also bringing fresh perspectives and diverse experience that can support innovation. The main benefits include:

• Developing the company's activity in new directions
• Access to a wider pool of ideas and expertise
• Filling positions for which local talent is not readily available

Impact on Romania's labor market

Employers in key industries can now access skilled foreign workers more easily to address critical labor shortages, supporting growth and innovation in those industries. The opening of the new consular section marks a meaningful step for Romania's labor market and reflects the value of collaboration between business leaders and government organizations.

Supporting workers as they adjust

Moving to a new country is rarely simple, particularly for workers coming from a culture quite different from their own. Employers hiring from abroad have a role to play in helping new employees adapt, and support is often needed in several areas:

• Accommodation, including help finding short-term or long-term housing and understanding local rental regulations
• Language assistance, through courses, translation, or interpretation services
• Legal assistance with visas, permits, licenses, and understanding local rights and obligations
• Cultural integration, including familiarity with local customs and professional norms
• Networking opportunities to build professional and social connections
• Healthcare guidance, including finding providers and understanding insurance requirements
• Financial assistance, such as opening a bank account and navigating local taxes
• Transportation guidance for navigating a new city
• Education support for families researching local schools
• Emotional support, including counseling or social activities to ease the transition

Why this matters

Romania's progress in simplifying the process of hiring workers from Asia gives employers a faster path to filling critical roles, but the transition still depends on the support employers provide once workers arrive. Companies that invest in that support are better positioned to retain the talent they bring in.

Sources: Romanian Employers' Association for Labor Importers