New research on the quality of life of foreign workers in Croatia reveals a complex picture of their satisfaction.

The Institute for Migration Research recently conducted the first comprehensive study on the quality of life of foreign workers in Croatia, covering 400 respondents from Asia and Africa. The research was carried out from the end of November to mid-January, and most participants came from the Philippines, Nepal, India, Egypt, and Bangladesh. The goal was to gain a clearer picture of their satisfaction with life and work in the new environment. This research was presented at the conference of the Croatian Employers' Association (HUP) and the Institute for Migration Research 'Migration, labor market and integration: Croatia tomorrow', writes index.hr.

Although on average they rated their life in Croatia with a modest score of 4.2 out of 10, most workers still highlight positive experiences, especially when it comes to safety and economic opportunities. Almost half of the respondents stated that they are very satisfied with their sense of safety, and more than 80 percent of them believe that their quality of life has improved at least a little after arriving in Croatia.

Despite this, the challenges are numerous. The biggest problem for most remains not knowing the Croatian language, which makes everyday communication and integration into society more difficult. Only eight percent of foreign workers speak Croatian fluently, and most learn the language along the way, through work. In addition to the language barrier, many face a feeling of discrimination and a lack of belonging to the community, which causes elevated stress levels in two thirds of workers.

Interestingly, more than 90 percent of foreign workers plan to stay in Croatia for at least ten years, and many are also considering staying permanently and bringing their families. This long-term perspective increases their motivation for integration and language learning, which experts see as a positive signal for the future of Croatian society.

Although challenges remain, the research results show that foreign workers in Croatia are mostly satisfied with the economic aspects of life, but emphasize the need for better social integration and a reduction in discrimination. Long-term satisfaction and motivation to stay indicate that Croatia, with additional efforts in integration, can become an even more attractive place to live and work for people from all over the world.