Romania sees historic drop in job applications for positions abroad

Interest in working abroad among Romanians has seen a significant decline this year. According to data from the recruitment platform eJobs, fewer than 55,000 applications for positions outside the country have been recorded since January, representing a nearly 33% decrease compared to the same period last year. This figure is approximately half of the levels seen in 2022 and 2023.

Roxana Drăghici, Head of Sales at eJobs, noted a steady decline in foreign job applications in recent years. While Romanian workers remain open to changing jobs, they are increasingly focusing on opportunities within the local market. In fact, general job applications have reached record levels, contrasting sharply with the decline in the international segment.

The most interested demographic consists of professionals aged 25 to 35 with 2 to 5 years of experience. Popular destinations for these applicants include Germany, the Netherlands, France, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Spain, Greece, and Cyprus. Many of these roles are seasonal, particularly in tourism, HoReCa, and the food industry.

Experts suggest the shift is driven by changing economic factors. The wage gap between Romania and Western European countries has narrowed compared to a decade ago, making the cost of relocation less justifiable for many candidates. Additionally, many applicants are now seeking only temporary work abroad rather than permanent relocation.