ZAGREB, 18 Dec (Hina) – Interior Minister Davor Božinović said on Thursday that a country, which wants to remain safe and dignified, must have a migration policy that reflects those values, stressing that order, the rule of law and respect for human dignity are essential for the protection of values we stand for.
“Migrations are a fact of yesterday, today and tomorrow. The only question is whether we manage them responsibly, lawfully and humanely, or leave them to those who see them as an opportunity for chaos, profit or division,” Božinović said in a statement marking International Migrants Day, observed on
The ministerВ added that over the past eight years Croatia has shown it is possible to pursue a migration policy that is both effective and humane.
He said the country has reduced illegal crossings, dismantled thousands of smuggling networks, and at the same time enabled the lawful arrival of workers needed by the economy, who now work, contribute and respect the legal order.
“We do not believe in walls. But we do believe in order, rules and a system. Anyone who breaks the rules must know they will face a firm response. This is not an ideological issue, but a responsibility towards our citizens and towards all those who see Croatia as a country of order and respect.”
Božinović also stressed that migration will not disappear and cannot be addressed through short-term reactions or populism, arguing instead for calm strength, stability and policies guided by reason and expertise rather than fear.
Minister: Croatia shows it is possible to be firm and fair
“It did not happen that more than 500,000 foreign workers arrived this year, as some had warned. On the contrary, there are more people employed and fewer foreign workers than last year. There has been a significant reduction in illegal crossings and a large number of smugglers arrested. All this is the result of strategic planning and the tireless work of the Croatian police,” the minister said.
He added that amendments to the law curbed rogue agencies that had begun exploiting the needs of the Croatian economy, protected workers’ rights, and that further legal adjustments are continuing in line with changing conditions on the ground, with a strong focus on language learning as a prerequisite for genuine integration.
The minister stressed that at a time when hysteria spreads faster than facts, Croatia has chosen to remain an example of how to be firm while staying fair.
“On this day, I would like to thank the Croatian police, who guard the European Union’s borders around the clock, ensure Croatia’s security and save lives. I also thank employers, teachers, mentors and citizens who help lawful migrants integrate not just on paper, but in real life,” Božinović concluded.
