The Istrian economy is facing a critical labor shortage that local pools can no longer meet, making the import of foreign workers the only way to ensure business continuity.

It was precisely this pressing issue, with special emphasis on the need for the organized integration of workers and their families, that was the main topic of the session of the Economic Council of the Croatian Chamber of Economy County Chamber Pula.

The necessity of imports and demographic issues

Danijel Benčić, president of the Croatian Chamber of Economy County Chamber Pula, clearly pointed out that the economy has growing employment needs that are almost impossible to fill from the domestic labor pool. Therefore, the import of labor has become imperative for numerous companies.

'As much as the fact that the economy records a strong need for employment confirms its vitality, it is equally important to take into account processes and laws outside strictly economic frameworks,' Benčić emphasized. He posed the key question of how to manage these processes and set rules to ensure a dignified life for both the domestic population and foreign workers, as well as their successful integration into the Istrian environment.

County Prefect Boris Miletić confirmed the partnership approach of Istria County with the private sector, emphasizing that this topic is important for all aspects of social life, and that resolving the issue of foreign labor is crucial for further growth and development.

Regional support network as the key to integration

Istria County is actively working on establishing a regional support network for foreign workers and their families, an initiative presented by Deputy County Prefect Gordana Antić and Head of Department Tea Batel. They warned that foreign workers already make up between ten and fifteen percent of the population in Istria.

By establishing this network, citizens gain security, and employers receive the necessary institutional support. The goal of the network is to strengthen ties between foreign workers, their families, the local community, and the economy, with a vision of developing an inclusive and multicultural society.

Challenges in healthcare and bureaucracy

In addition to economic and social challenges, the burden on the healthcare system was also discussed. Vesna Miletić Kancelir from the Specialist Occupational Medicine Practice at the Istrian Health Centers warned of insufficient healthcare system capacities and inevitable changes in the county's epidemiological picture due to the growing number of foreign workers.

Robi Belušić from the Istria Police Administration presented the current state of issuing residence and work permits, and announced amendments and additions to the Foreigners Act.

Voice of employers: The burden of accommodation and the need for a system

A panel discussion with representatives of tourism and industry revealed the greatest practical difficulties. Although employers such as Carel Adriatica, GPI Istre, Maistra, PAB Akrapović, and Sipro take on a large share of responsibility for employing workers and helping them get settled, they emphasized that the economy needs stronger institutional support and better coordination.

The combination of domestic and foreign workers covers the needs, but problems related to the accommodation and transportation of foreign workers represent an increasing organizational and financial burden for the companies themselves. One of the key elements for faster integration, as employers pointed out, is also learning the Croatian language.

The Economic Council concluded that there is goodwill to resolve this complex issue at the regional level, but that a systematic approach and the implementation of changes at the national level are necessary. The Croatian Chamber of Economy County Chamber Pula will continue to actively communicate about this extremely important topic.