It should be easier for Croatian companies looking for workers to obtain contacts in Uzbekistan and connect with licensed employment agencies there.

That is the goal of the new agreement, which in itself does not guarantee employment nor change the conditions for workers' arrival. As announced by the Croatian Employers' Association (HUP), the memorandum with the Uzbek Agency for Migration was signed on 16 October 2026 in Zagreb.

Easier access to contacts, without automatic employment

The memorandum is an agreement on cooperation, not a contract under which workers have already been ordered. HUP states this clearly: 'The signed Memorandum represents a non-binding framework of institutional cooperation'. Put simply, a company looking for employees should be able to find counterparts in Uzbekistan more easily, but it decides for itself whether to proceed with hiring. The cooperation must take place in compliance with national regulations and the protection of workers' rights.

Preparing workers before arrival

The agreement provides for the exchange of information and consideration of professional training for candidates before arriving in Croatia. For example, a construction company could explain to partners which tasks a worker needs to know how to perform, and then appropriate preparation of candidates would be considered. Such training is currently only a possibility, and the announcement does not specify concrete programs, their duration, or costs.

Construction employers have already established contacts

The meeting was attended by HUP Director General Irena Weber and the Uzbek delegation led by Migration Agency Director Muhsinhuja Abdurakhmonov. They discussed the needs of Croatian employers and the responsible employment of foreign workers. The cooperation has already begun through HUP's construction employers association, and during the visit the delegation also toured the company Radnik in Križevci.

How many workers will arrive?

The number of workers, arrival deadlines, and offered wages have not been announced. For now, the connection of institutions, agencies, and interested companies has been agreed. Whether new employment will result from these contacts will depend on the specific needs of employers and further agreements.