The Croatian labor market, where more than 101 thousand foreign nationals currently reside and work, is expecting significant regulatory changes in the next two weeks.

As reported by the portal net.hr, the state is introducing stricter controls that should put an end to the previous mass and often uncontrolled import of workers. The key new measures concern mandatory knowledge of the Croatian language, ensuring adequate housing conditions, and extending the validity of work permits to three years, along with significantly more rigorous checks of employers and agencies involved in the entire process.

Longer waiting times for permits and stricter selection of agencies

The previous practice in which approvals were obtained in just a few days has become a thing of the past, which directly affects the dynamics of employment. As reported by RTL Danas, the administrative path from application to the worker’s actual arrival in Croatia can now take up to nine months. Ivan Crnov, co-owner of an employment mediation agency, points out that the deadlines have changed drastically. He states that previously a positive or negative opinion from the employment office was obtained within three to five days, while today the same document takes up to two months to receive. According to him, after obtaining the opinion, a three-month wait for the work permit follows, which ultimately means that the entire worker import process today lasts between six and nine months.

State Secretary at the Ministry of Labor Ivan Vidiš emphasizes that increased controls have already produced results in cleaning up the agency market. He explains that the number of newly registered agencies has fallen by 60 percent compared with last year because the conditions have been tightened, and the number of requests coming from agencies has been halved. That the state is serious is also confirmed by data from the Ministry of Labor according to which undeclared work was detected at 11 agencies, which is why they were banned from further operation. Employers must now prove stable business operations, which includes a minimum annual turnover of 10 thousand euros and the obligation that the company has been active for at least one year before it gains the right to import foreign labor.

Integration through language learning as a prerequisite for work

One of the most important new measures is the introduction of mandatory learning of the Croatian language, a foundation for quality integration and workplace safety. Experts point out that for basic orientation and mastering around 300 key words, between three and six months of study are needed. Davor Štern, honorary consul of the Philippines, believes that knowledge of the language is necessary, especially in sectors such as social care where communication with users is crucial. He notes that workers from the Philippines are exceptionally skilled in hospitality and tourism, but could also be of great use in the elderly care system, provided they overcome the language barrier.

Hrvoje Matuš from the educational institution Vaš Kod, through whose programs 300 workers from various Asian countries have already passed, confirms that the learning process is challenging but possible. He states that Croatian verbs and accents are the most difficult for workers who have just arrived, while those who have spent some time here acquire the language more easily because they are constantly exposed to it. Nevertheless, he emphasizes that he is satisfied with the workers’ approach and commitment, as they show strong motivation to learn the basics needed for everyday life and work.

The question of the long-term sustainability of the new system

By introducing new rules, Croatia is trying to establish a balance between the chronic labor shortage and the need for order in a system that has become extremely burdened in a short period of time. Stricter conditions for agencies and employers’ obligations toward workers should eliminate bad practices and ensure dignified conditions for those coming to work. However, the drastic extension of administrative processes presents entrepreneurs with new challenges in business planning, while the obligation to learn the language requires additional engagement and time from the workers themselves.

The question arises whether the state is correcting previous shortcomings too late or whether these new, stricter rules will truly lead to a more orderly labor market in which foreign workers will no longer be just numbers, but integrated members of society with clearly defined rights and obligations.