News
Lankans share third rank with Italians in Romania’s foreign workforce surge
Sri Lankans have become a significant part of Romania’s workforce, contributing to the growing trend of foreign workers in the country, said a report by the Schenegan News yesterday.It said that by the end of last year, over 211,000 foreign workers were registered in Romania, with a notable influx from South Asia, particularly Nepal, which accounts for nine percent. Italians and Sri Lankans follow closely, each representing seven percent of the total foreign workforce.
Romania plans to admit up to 100,000 new foreign workers during this year.
“A significant influx of foreign citizens are staying and working in Romania, with a notable concentration from the Asian continent, particularly South Asia.
“According to a recent report from the General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI), most foreign workers are now sourced from countries outside Europe, with Nepal emerging as the leading nation of origin.
“As of the end of 2023, Nepal accounted for nine per cent of the over 211,000 foreign workers registered in Romania. Following closely are Turkish nationals, who comprise eight per cent of the foreign workforce.
“These data also showed that most foreigners settled in Romanian cities as follows: Bucharest over 15,000, Ilfov – over 7,800, Constanta – over 6,100, Timi? – over 4,200, Bra?ov – 3,907, Cluj – over 3,300, Sibiu – over 2,600, Arad – over 2,400 and Prahova – 2,100.
“While Romania presents numerous economic opportunities for migrant workers, a recent study has unveiled significant challenges they face.
“Migrant workers in Romania struggle with limited access to social and public services. Many experience difficulties navigating the public health system and other essential services, primarily due to a lack of information and language barriers that hinder effective communication with authorities.
“Despite these issues, the country authorities recently reported that the latter is being used as a destination where some foreigners who have already arrived legally in Romania for employment purposes on work visas are trying to cross the state border into the Schengen Zone irregularly.
“Some data revealed that the Accommodation Centre for Foreigners Taken in Public Custody in Arad registered 400 migrants during the first half of 2024.
“As of the end of 2023, approximately 74,400 foreigners held residence permits for employment purposes in Romania, marking an increase of over 44 per cent compared to the same period in 2022. The majority of these workers are between 18 and 60, with only 382 individuals over 60, a figure that remains consistent with 2022.
“In response to the growing demand for labour, the Romanian government has established a quota of no more than 100,000 newly admitted foreign workers for the labour market in 2024. This initiative aimed to balance economic growth with protecting migrant rights, though significant challenges remain.”
As part of the official visit to London for the 43rd Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Board of Governors Meeting 2026, the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, held discussions with academic experts from the British Council on Wednesday [20 May 2026].
The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in education, particularly in the areas of teacher training, English language programmes, education frameworks, and language acquisition skills.
The British Council shared international experience and highlighted its ongoing engagement in Sri Lanka, while expressing readiness to support the country through technical assistance, teacher development initiatives, and policy collaboration.
Discussions also included views on improving quality assurance, expanding research collaboration, and enhancing learning opportunities.
The Prime Minister appreciated the British Council’s continued engagement in Sri Lanka and reiterated the importance of deepening partnerships.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division’
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who is currently on an official visit to the United Kingdom, met with members of the Sri Lankan community living in London on Wednesday [20th] and engaged in cordial discussions.
Despite the event being held on a weekday, it was notable that nearly one thousand Sri Lankans representing the Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim communities attended with great enthusiasm.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that despite natural disasters and international crises, the present government has succeeded in stabilizing the country’s economy while providing relief to the people. She further noted that Sri Lanka’s political culture has now undergone a positive transformation that is irreversible.
Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Paulraj, addressing the event, stated that a governance system has now been established in the country where all communities are treated equally and the benefits of economic development are shared fairly among all citizens.
Moving away from the traditional method of political gatherings, the event also provided an open platform for members of the Sri Lankan community to directly raise questions and express their views to the Prime Minister and the Minister.
Commenting on the organization of the event, the organizing committee stated that all expenses, including dinner, were borne by the participants themselves. The organizers further remarked that it is unsurprising that opposition groups, accustomed to organizing such events through the misuse of public funds, appear unsettled by this transparent process.
The occasion was attended by the Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Paulraj and Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Nimal Senadheera.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya currently undertaking an official visit to London, United Kingdom, to participate in the 43rd Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Board of Governors Meeting 2026 held a bilateral meeting with the Yvette Cooper MP, Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom ON Wednesday [20]. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Nimal Senadheera, along with officials from the Sri Lankan High Commission.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed Sri Lanka’s appreciation to the United Kingdom for the support extended in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwa, including ongoing rebuilding and recovery assistance. The Prime Minister also commended the United Kingdom’s support in facilitating increased bilateral trade and exports for Sri Lanka.
The Prime Minister briefed the UK delegation on Sri Lanka’s recent economic developments and policy priorities, the Government’s commitment to advancing human rights and reconciliation, as well as Sri Lanka’s positive growth trajectory.
The two sides also exchanged views on current global geopolitical developments, challenges in the energy sector, and the importance of enhancing regional connectivity and long-term energy security.
Both sides also emphasised the importance of strengthening structured academic mobility frameworks while ensuring fairness, clarity, and integrity within migration systems.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries in areas of mutual interest.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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