In the context of a rapidly changing labour market and post-pandemic economic challenges, RECRUT Romania has become a key player in recruiting personnel from Asia for various industries in Romania.
Over its seven years of activity, the agency has brought a significant number of Asian workers to the country, providing sustainable solutions for local companies facing a labour shortage crisis.
A Challenging Economic Context: Labour Market After the Pandemic
After the pandemic crisis, the Romanian and European labour markets underwent significant changes. With the relaxation of restrictions, the demand for labour increased rapidly, leading to labour shortages in many sectors, particularly in industries requiring physical labour and direct contact, such as construction, tourism, and industrial production. This acute shortage of labour has prompted many companies to turn to international recruitment, particularly from Asian countries, where a well-trained and motivated workforce is eager to work in Europe.
The Advantages of Asian Workers: Stability and Commitment
Workers from Asia, brought to Romania through RECRUT Romania, provide an efficient long-term solution. While international recruitment initially involves higher costs, the major advantage of these workers is the stability they offer to companies. Most Asian employees remain in a company for a period of three to five years, during which they learn the language, integrate into the organisational culture, and, in many cases, even participate in recruiting new colleagues.
The Need to Align Working Conditions with European Standards
As markets open up and Romania moves closer to joining the Schengen Area, it is essential for Romanian employers to offer competitive working conditions to attract and retain foreign labour. Alin Danci, the owner of RECRUT Romania, emphasises the importance of aligning the working conditions offered to foreign workers with European norms:
"Aligning wages and working conditions with European standards is a necessary step for Romanian employers. This includes equivalent wages to those in the European Union, similar working conditions, and providing adequate accommodation and food."
Salaries and Current Economic Challenges
In the context of a constantly changing economy, the wages offered to foreign workers are a key aspect of their retention. According to recent statistics, the minimum wage in Romania is 3,700 lei gross, which will increase in 2025. Although foreign workers generally earn more than the minimum wage, with incomes ranging between 500 and 800 euros net, Oana Luțai, the operational manager at RECRUT, believes that these salaries need to increase to remain competitive in the European market.
"Unskilled workers should earn at least 800 euros, while skilled workers should be paid 1,200-1,300 euros to align with European standards and retain these employees long-term," explains Oana Luțai.
Challenges and Opportunities in International Recruitment
International recruitment presents specific challenges, particularly in terms of the cultural and linguistic integration of Asian workers in Romania. However, RECRUT Romania’s experience shows that, through well-structured integration and training programs, these challenges can be overcome, and foreign workers can significantly contribute to the success of local businesses.
In 2024, Romania approved a quota of 100,000 foreign workers, most of them coming from Asian countries such as Nepal, Vietnam, India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. This policy provides a unique opportunity for Romania's economic development, helping to address the long-term labour shortage.
RECRUT Romania continues to be an essential partner for Romanian companies facing staff shortages. By bringing in Asian workers, the agency not only helps increase productivity but also ensures long-term business stability across various sectors. In a globalised economy, international recruitment is a sustainable solution, and RECRUT Romania aims to remain a leader in this field by providing high-quality services and customised solutions for each client.
