According to data provided to InfoMigrants by Romania's General Inspectorate for Immigration (IGI) on June 11, a total of 82,180 work permits were approved for nationals from the five South Asian countries (Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) in 2025.

The figures are based on work permits issued during 2025 and include some applicants who submitted their applications in 2024 but received approval that year.

Nepal tops the list with 45,496 approved work permits, making Nepali citizens the largest group of South Asian workers entering Romania.

Sri Lanka ranked second with 13,693 approved permits. Bangladesh followed with 8,319 permits, while Indian nationals received 8,082 permits. Pakistanis accounted for 6,590 approved work permits.

Nepalis remain the largest South Asian community

Alongside work permit statistics, the Romanian immigration authority also shared data on South Asian nationals legally residing in the country.

As of April 30, 2026, Nepal had the largest South Asian community in Romania, with 57,330 citizens holding valid residence permits.

Sri Lanka followed with 27,380 residents, while 14,610 Indian citizens were legally residing in the country. Bangladesh had 8,635 legal residents and Pakistan 5,265.

Employment remains the primary reason for residence among South Asian nationals.

According to IGI data, 56,700 Nepali citizens held residence permits based on employment, followed by 26,620 Sri Lankans, 13,185 Indians, 7,895 Bangladeshis and 4,175 Pakistanis.

Smaller numbers of South Asian nationals were residing in Romania through family reunification, higher education, permanent residence and international protection programs.

Among Bangladeshis, 500 were studying in Romania on student permits, while 165 held residence permits through family reunification. Another 60 had permanent residence status, and a small number were residing under other categories, including international protection.

Labor migration continues to drive arrivals

The latest figures highlight Romania's growing dependence on workers from South Asia to address labor shortages across various sectors of the economy.

Romanian authorities say employment remains the dominant pathway for South Asian migration to the country, far outweighing education, family reunification and other residence categories.

The General Inspectorate for Immigration is responsible for implementing Romania's policies on immigration, asylum and the integration of foreign nationals. Border control responsibilities, however, fall under the Romanian Border Police.