Almost 40% of Foreign Workers Departed Romania After Partial Schengen Membership

Key Points

1. An estimated 35-40% of foreign employees left Romania after the country's partial Schengen accession via air and sea.
2. Representatives have cautioned that foreigners who violate Schengen laws risk significant consequences.
3. Despite the departure of foreign workers, Romania reports labor shortages in 154 occupations.

Approximately 35-40% of foreign workers have departed Romania following the country's entry into the Schengen zone by air and sea, according to recruitment agency representatives. This trend has impacted both foreign recruitment agencies and Romanian employers, who rely on foreign labor to address workforce shortages.

Yosef Gavriel Peisakh, General Manager at the recruitment agency "Work from Asia," told Bursa.ro that foreign workers are leaving Romania in search of better-paying jobs in Europe.

"We are talking about workers who don't even come to us in the country anymore because they want to earn more money than they can get in Romania. According to our estimates, from the date of Romania’s entry into Schengen until now, approximately 35-40% of foreign workers have already left the country."

Foreigners Who Violate Schengen Laws Risk Losing Their Fundamental Rights

Holders of a Romanian work permit are not entitled to work in other Schengen countries; they can only enter as visitors for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Peisakh warns that foreigners attempting to work under these conditions face risks, such as being stopped at borders by authorities. The newly launched eDAC application allows control bodies to verify individuals’ status within seconds of scanning their identity documents.

"They risk losing their fundamental rights, including social protection, job security, compliance with working hours, and rest time."

Romania Reports Over 150 Shortage Occupations

Romania is already struggling with labor shortages, with the 2023 Report on shortages and surpluses identifying 154 shortage occupations across various sectors. Obtaining visas has become more challenging, requiring approval from both the National Visa Center in Romania and Schengen countries, prolonging the process. Romanian consulate staff have become stricter in interviews, leading to more rejections.

"Employers, who are in dire need of the labor force, complain that the process after the final selection of candidates is taking longer and longer, in some cases up to a year."

To address these issues, employers have suggested that Romanian authorities launch an information campaign in English, warning foreign workers about the risks of fraudulent termination of employment contracts and leaving the country illegally.