“Nepalese workers are cheaper than Romanians”: Hospitality executive’s remarks reignite wage debate

A statement that Nepalese workers are cheaper and have “lower expectations” than Romanian employees has reopened a debate in Romania about pay, working conditions and the hospitality industry’s business model.

Călin Cozma, executive president of the Federation of Employers in the Hospitality Industry, said companies turn to foreign workers for two reasons. Romania does not have enough available labor because many people leave for other countries, he said, but employers also seek workers from abroad because they cost less.

“It is necessary to have labor from abroad because we do not have enough labor in Romania, because people leave for other countries,” Cozma said. “But at the same time, foreign labor is sought because it is cheaper. We must be very honest when we say that an employee coming from Nepal earns less and has lower expectations than an employee from Romania.”

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It is necessary to have labor from abroad because we do not have enough labor in Romania, because people leave for other countries. But at the same time, foreign labor is sought because it is cheaper. We must be very honest when we say that an employee coming from Nepal earns less and has lower expectations than an employee from Romania.

Cozma said he would prefer hospitality companies to employ more qualified Romanians and pay them better. He proposed that the state subsidize part of the wage costs for lower-paid employees, allowing businesses to keep Romanian workers and rely more on the domestic labor force.

Recruitment specialists cited in the article say salaries offered to foreign workers vary by sector, skills and experience. Net monthly offers start at about 2,700 to 3,500 lei for unskilled workers and operators. Construction and manufacturing jobs can pay around 4,500 to 5,000 lei, while professional drivers may earn more than 5,000 lei and, in some cases, up to 10,000 lei. Housing, meal vouchers and meals may also form part of the package, depending on the employer and contract. Differences between Romanian wages and incomes in Nepal, Sri Lanka and India are described as one reason Romania attracts workers from those countries.

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Personally, and many colleagues in the industry, we would like to have qualified Romanian employees whom we can pay well.