A Real-Life Guide to Finding a Welding Job in Romania
Romania is a beautiful country in Europe that has become a popular destination for those seeking job opportunities abroad. If you’re a skilled worker from a foreign country, getting a job in Romania can be a great way to start a new life. This article is based on the real experience of my friend, a welder from India, who recently went to Romania. His story will help you understand the process, costs, and key things to be aware of.
My Friend’s Journey to Romania
My friend used to work as a welder at a government hospital in India. He wanted to go to a European country because of the better opportunities, and he found out about Romania. He got a job through a recruiting agency that one of his friends had used, so he felt more confident about it.
The process of getting the work permit took about three months. After that, he signed the employment agreement in about two months. Then, he had to wait four months for his embassy interview appointment.
The Embassy Interview: What to Expect
My friend was really nervous about the interview, but it was much easier than he expected. He had prepared for it with the help of his job agency. Here are some of the questions they asked him:
- “Good morning. What is your name?”
- “How did you come here for the interview?”
- “What is your job in Romania?”
- “Tell us about your family.”
- “How long do you plan to stay in Romania?”
My friend answered every question honestly and said that he would return to India after his contract ended. The interview was over quickly, and two weeks later, the agency told him he had passed.
The Cost of a Romanian Job: A Financial Breakdown
My friend had to wait for about a year and a half after his interview to go to Romania. During that time, he paid a total of $7,000 to the agency. He initially paid a portion of the fee (around $700) and paid the rest in installments later.
Since he couldn’t pay the full amount at once, he applied for a loan from a government bank using his visa details. The bank approved the loan quickly because he already had the visa, and he was able to pay back the loan in monthly installments after he started working in Romania.
This story shows that you should expect to spend a significant amount of money to get a job in Romania, and it’s important to have a plan for how you will manage these costs.
The Process for Different Jobs
My friend went for a welding job, but the process is similar for most other jobs in Romania, such as:
- Factory Workers
- Warehouse Workers
- Agricultural Workers
- Construction Workers
- Cleaners
- Delivery Riders
- Chefs and Kitchen Helpers
- Drivers
- Plumbers
- Carpenters
- Masons
- Caregivers
The documents required for these jobs are almost the same. You will typically need to submit:
- A copy of your National ID card
- 15 passport-size photos (with a white background)
- Original Passport
- Birth Certificate
- Police Clearance Certificate
- Your CV
- A small registration fee (around $10)
Once you submit these documents, the agency will start the process. The total fee and payment plan can vary from one agency to another.
Crucial Advice Before You Pay an Agency
Based on my friend’s experience, here are some critical things you must do to protect yourself:
- Scrutinize the Agreement: The most important document is the agreement. Read every detail carefully and make sure it matches what the agency promised you. If they lied to you, the agreement is your evidence.
- Research the Company: Search for the Romanian company online. Check if it’s a real company, if it appears on Google Maps, and read the reviews.
- Verify the Agency: Before you pay a large amount of money, check if the job agency is registered with the government. Look for online reviews and check their social media comments to see if other people have had positive experiences with them.
- Keep Records: Always keep all call recordings, messages, and receipts as evidence. If the agency scams you, you will need these documents to take legal action.
Beware of Manpower Companies
My friend also mentioned that it’s important to be aware of “manpower” companies in countries like Romania. These companies act as a middleman. They find foreign workers for other companies in Romania and take a portion of their salary.
If you sign an agreement with a manpower company, you may not get the salary, accommodation, or food you were promised in the original agreement. This can lead to big problems, especially if you have taken a loan to go abroad. You might end up in a difficult situation where your salary isn’t enough to cover your expenses and loan payments.
Conclusion
Finding a job abroad is an exciting opportunity, but it’s also a high-risk process. My friend’s story is a perfect example of what can happen in the real world, and this information is not always easy to find online.
By understanding the process and being careful with agencies and agreements, you can protect yourself and increase your chances of success. Your dream of a better life in a country like Romania can become a reality if you start your journey with knowledge and awareness.