Romania issues first deficit‑occupation list, paving way for non‑EU workers

The Romanian Ministry of Labor, Family, Youth and Social Solidarity has published the inaugural list of 236 occupations suffering a labour‑shortage, intended to guide the hiring of workers from non‑EU states. The list, attached to Emergency Ordinance 32/2026, will be updated every six months or as needed and will serve as a basis for the new digital platform WorkinRomania.gov.ro.

Construction, transport, HoReCa, industry and agriculture dominate the rankings, with the most sought‑after roles being freight handlers, couriers, unskilled demolition workers and, notably, welders at the 11th position. The measure aims to protect Romanian workers while addressing acute vacancies that persist despite a record inflow of foreign labour.