The Ministry of Labour, Family, Youth and Social Solidarity in Romania has released a draft resolution aimed at admitting 90,000 foreign workers into the Romanian labor market by the year 2026. This initiative is rooted in Government Ordinance no. 25/2014, which governs the employment and secondment of foreign nationals in the country. As part of the employment process, employers are required to obtain a work authorization, and it is essential that the annual quota for foreign workers is not fully utilized in order to facilitate their employment.
As of September 30, 2025, a total of 83,914 work permits had been issued, reflecting a significant need for additional labor in various sectors. However, amid this demand, the overall number of job vacancies stood at 407,501, marking a 9% decrease compared to the previous year. The statistics reveal a complex picture of the labor market, indicating both opportunities for foreign workers and challenges within the domestic employment landscape.
The majority of job vacancies are concentrated in specific sectors, particularly courier services, construction, and retail. These industries have been significantly reliant on foreign labor, due to labor shortages in Romania. By the end of August 2025, there were approximately 253,731 registered unemployed individuals in the country, underscoring the existing gaps within the local workforce that foreign workers might help fill. Additionally, between January and September 2025, a total of 73,213 employment contracts were finalized for citizens coming from outside the European Union. This influx of foreign labor is happening even as other job sectors see a contraction in available positions.
The outlined goals for 2026 reflect an ongoing strategy to stabilize and bolster the Romanian economy by leveraging foreign labor. The government’s approach suggests a recognition of the importance of diversity in the workforce while addressing specific labor shortages that have become more pronounced in recent years. As sectors such as courier services, construction, and retail continue to expand, the integration of foreign workers becomes increasingly vital in meeting economic demands and sustaining growth.
Employers seeking to hire foreign nationals must navigate a regulatory landscape that prioritizes the availability of jobs for Romanian citizens before turning to the external labor market. The requirement for obtaining a work authorization serves as a means of ensuring that local employment is preserved while still allowing room for foreign contributions to the workforce. It is a balancing act aimed at both bolstering the economy and maintaining social stability.
As Romania prepares for the influx of foreign workers in 2026, it is essential to consider how these developments will impact local job markets and unemployment rates in the coming years. Policymakers may need to monitor trends closely and adapt strategies to ensure that both Romanian workers and foreign laborers can coexist beneficially in a competitive job environment.
In summary, the Ministry’s draft resolution to welcome 90,000 foreign workers by 2026 indicates a proactive response to current labor shortages and economic demands. This initiative not only seeks to fill existing vacancies in crucial sectors but also aims to create a balanced approach to employment that considers the needs of both the Romanian workforce and foreign labor provisions.