KATHMANDU, Nov 14: Romania is emerging as an increasingly popular destination for Nepali migrant workers, with 7,179 workers obtaining labour permits for the European country in the first three months of the current fiscal year.
Traditionally, Nepali workers have preferred Malaysia and the Gulf countries for foreign employment. However, interest in European destinations, particularly Romania, has been growing amid rising demand for foreign workers and employment opportunities in various sectors.
According to the Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE), 7,179 Nepalis received labour permits for Romania between mid-July and mid-October this Fiscal Year (FY) 2026/27. Of them, 2,908 obtained permits in Shrawan (mid-July to mid-August), 1,793 in Bhadra (mid-August to mid-September) and 2,478 in Ashoj (mid-September to mid-October).
In the previous FY 2025/26, a total of 33,920 Nepali workers obtained labour permits for Romania. Based on the figures for the first three months of the current fiscal year, Romania ranks sixth among the major destinations for Nepali migrant workers.
The four Gulf countries—the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait—and Malaysia continue to attract the largest numbers of Nepali workers. Among European countries, however, Romania has become the leading destination.
Malaysian govt decides to impose ban on migrant workers from Ju...
The demand for foreign workers in Romania is particularly high in construction, hospitality, agriculture, manufacturing and services. Nepali workers have been securing jobs in these sectors through individual and institutional recruitment channels.
Romania has also expanded its recruitment quota for foreign workers. On Wednesday, the Romanian government announced an increase in the quota from 289,000 to 372,000 under its new framework addressing labour shortages. The move is expected to create additional employment opportunities for Nepalis and workers from other countries.
However, the Department of Foreign Employment has urged prospective migrant workers to exercise caution before travelling to Romania. It has advised them to verify the credentials of recruitment agencies, employment contracts, salaries, accommodation arrangements and visa procedures to avoid exploitation and other problems.
The department says Romania's growing demand for foreign workers has made it an attractive destination for Nepalis. Ensuring safe and well-managed foreign employment, however, remains a major concern.
Nepal and Romania signed a bilateral labour agreement in October 2023, providing a framework for the recruitment and protection of Nepali workers.
Romania introduces digital portal for recruitment of foreign workers
The Romanian government has introduced an integrated online platform, 'Work in Romania', to make foreign worker recruitment more transparent, systematic and efficient. The portal, which had been temporarily suspended, is scheduled to resume operations on November 15.
Romania's Ministry of Internal Affairs announced the platform on August 6, 2026. It is designed for employers, foreign employment agencies and government agencies involved in recruiting workers from outside the European Union (EU).
The platform will allow employers to register and obtain authorisation, while recruitment agencies can apply for or renew licences, submit documents online and track the status of their applications. It is also intended to integrate procedures for obtaining long-term employment visas and residence permits into a single digital system.
Under the new arrangement, employers or authorised recruitment agencies will submit consolidated applications on behalf of prospective workers. Migrant workers will not be required to file applications themselves.
According to the Romanian Ministry of Internal Affairs, government agencies will be able to verify employer and recruitment agency details, exchange documents online and monitor application progress through the platform. Applicants will receive notifications through their accounts if additional documents are required or decisions are made.
The portal will also provide foreign workers with information about the legal requirements for working in Romania, employment conditions, wages, accommodation and labour rights. Users will be able to check the details of licensed recruitment agencies and lodge complaints about exploitation or mistreatment.
The resumption of the portal is expected to restart recruitment procedures that had been suspended for nearly two months. Employers will be able to process new recruitment applications, while foreign workers already in Romania can initiate procedures to renew residence permits or change employers.
Romania currently hosts around two million foreign workers from outside the EU. The government has set a quota of 90,000 new foreign workers for 2026, with demand concentrated in construction, hospitality, manufacturing, transportation and service sectors.
The Romanian government says the new platform will streamline recruitment procedures and strengthen oversight of employers and recruitment agencies.
