Croatia is a well-liked travel destination, and the nation is recognized annually for its tourism industry.
But the nation is facing a growing labor crisis, endangering the tourism industry, which depends significantly on these people.
About 30,000 seasonal workers were required in the first half of 2022 in order for the Croatian labor market to meet its demands, according to Ivana Mehle, Deputy Director of the Croatian Employment Service (CES).
Although this figure fell to 21,000 in 2023, Croatia is still facing labor shortages because seasonal workers are in great demand, particularly in the travel and tourist industry.
Davor Božinović, the Croatian interior minister, previously stated that his administration will continue to promote foreign workers, pointing out that they are essential to the nation’s economy.
More and more seasonal workers are arriving from far-flung Asian nations.
Although Croatia has historically relied heavily on seasonal labor from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Asian nations are also increasingly contributing to the labor market.
Mehle noted that while workers from India and other Asian nations are increasingly traveling to Croatia for employment, Bosnia and Herzegovina still accounts for the majority of foreign workers in Croatia.
These workers can now go to Croatia because of the relaxation of the Law on Foreigners, which has saved the travel and tourism industry from failing this year.
According to Total Croatia News, the hospitality and hotel sectors have the most demand for seasonal workers since they need someone to prepare meals, provide lodging, and perform other tasks.
Transportation and warehousing are the third most in-demand sector, followed by administrative and support services like vehicle rental companies, travel agencies, and facility maintenance.
Local media reports that Croatian authorities issued a record 171,000 work licenses in 2024, a 14% increase above 2023 numbers.
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