Romanian hoteliers are increasingly relying on workers from outside the European Union (EU) because they lack many hiring alternatives on the domestic labor market, stated the president of the Federation of the Romanian Hotel Industry (FIHR), Calin Ile.
The FPTR president specified that one of the measures pursued by hoteliers to cover the labor shortage is increasing the ceiling for the number of extra-community workers accepted to work in Romania.
“Hotels, like restaurants, face the same problem of labor shortage. We are working on this aspect in three directions: we are in dialogue with the Immigration Office to increase the ceiling and simplify the procedures for bringing in foreigners; we invest in education, in young people, and in tourism high schools, from where we can source labor; and we hope to manage, together with the authorities, that tax reduction for our sector—whether through the project supported by Mr. Nasui, the Minister of Economy, ‘zero taxes for HoReCa,’ which we support and are conducting a study on, or by finally legislating tipping as a measure to increase the attractiveness for potential employees to come work for us. So, we hope for fiscal facilities to attract labor, stimulating education, and simplifying the procedures for bringing in foreign workers,” the FIHR representative specified.
On August 11, the Government approved the supplementation to 50,000 of the contingent of workers from outside the EU who can apply for work rights this year in Romania, thus doubling the number of 25,000 non-EU workers approved at the beginning of the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Romanian hoteliers hiring non-EU workers?They face a significant domestic labor shortage and lack viable hiring alternatives within the local market.
What is the current quota for non-EU workers in Romania?The Romanian government increased the quota to 50,000 workers for the current year, doubling the initial limit of 25,000.
What other measures are being considered to attract staff?Hoteliers are looking into fiscal facilities, such as tax reductions for the HoReCa sector, legislating tipping, and investing in tourism education for youth.