In 2008, 13,820 work permits were granted for foreign citizens from states outside the European Union, with most of these from Turkey, China and Moldova.
“The number of foreign workers employed in 2008 was much higher than in 2007, Most of these came from China, Serbia, Bangladesh, and Moldova,” said Maria Grapini, President of the Federation of Employers in the Light Industry (FEPAIUS). Grapini estimates a drop in production in 2009, and implicitly a cut in the number of persons employed in industry. “I do not think we will need many foreign employees this year; however, if workers are needed, we will hire Romanian workers returning home,” Grapini added.
