Proposal to increase the quota of foreign workers

The IMM Romania organization backs the proposal of the Employers’ Association of Labor Importers regarding the increase in the quota of foreign workers for next year, from 100,000 to 150,000. The Association’s stand reflects the current situation on the Romanian labour market and comes in response to the dire need of workforce in many economic areas, such as constructions, the hospitality industry, transport, agriculture and services, IMM Romania has announced. The organization believes the real demand for non-EU labour has significantly exceeded the limit of 100,000 set by the Government and points to the data released by the General Inspectorate for Immigration, showing that over 230,000 applications for employment permits had been submitted by early October.

The IMM Romania organization backs the proposal of the Employers’ Association of Labor Importers regarding the increase in the quota of foreign workers for next year, from 100,000 to 150,000. The Association’s stand reflects the current situation on the Romanian labour market and comes in response to the dire need of workforce in many economic areas, such as constructions, the hospitality industry, transport, agriculture and services, IMM Romania has announced. The organization believes the real demand for non-EU labour has significantly exceeded the limit of 100,000 set by the Government and points to the data released by the General Inspectorate for Immigration, showing that over 230,000 applications for employment permits had been submitted by early October.

According to the Employers’ Association, a higher number of work permits is not only a necessary measure to overcome labour shortage, but also a strategic decision to maintain investments, economic competitiveness and the sustainability of the tax and pension system. IMM Romania also endorses the simplification and digitalization of all procedures regulating the issuance of work permits and visas, to reduce processing time and to avoid losing workforce to other states. IMM Romania reiterates its commitment to supporting pragmatic measures that contribute to the stability and development of the business environment, as well as to the foreign workers’ sustainable integration into the Romanian economy.

Moreover, in just 24 hours, on October 28, 2025, 660 applications for employment permits were registered, and they were submitted by employers who intend to employ foreign nationals, the General Inspectorate for Immigration has announced. In the same time span, 629 such applications were approved and 67 were rejected, because they failed to meet legal conditions. Also, 373 temporary and long-term residence permits were issued for citizens from non-EU member states. At the same time, 354 people submitted applications for the extension of their right of residence, according to Emergency Ordinance no. 194/2002 regarding the regime of aliens in Romania, republished, with subsequent amendments and additions.