ZAGREB, 18 Feb (Hina) – Minister of the Interior Davor Božinović told Parliament on Wednesday that new amendments to the Foreigners Act will further improve the system for employing foreign workers, stressing that Croatia is open to lawful work but “is not and will not be open to disorder”.
Minister says amendments strengthen foreign worker employment system
The amendments align Croatian legislation with the EU directive on a single permit for residence and work and the Pact on Migration and Asylum, and adapt the system to new circumstances.
“I am confident these amendments will further enhance the employment framework for foreign workers, provide the Croatian economy with the necessary and skilled labour force, and create better conditions for continued growth and development,” Božinović said while presenting the bill.
He emphasised that migration and labour market management is an ongoing process requiring constant monitoring and adjustment.
Božinović noted that amendments introduced in March 2025 had already produced measurable results. The number of residence and work permits fell by about 17 percent to 170,723. Of these, 47 percent were for new employment, 41 percent were extensions, and 12 percent were for seasonal work.
Language requirement and extended deadlines
A key novelty is mandatory Croatian language learning. Foreign workers will have to pass an A1.1-level language exam after one year of residence as a condition for extending their permits. Knowledge of Croatian and the Latin script will help them integrate more easily into daily life, Božinović said, adding that this is not a mere formality but a message that newcomers must respect the Croatian language.
The amendments also extend the deadline for processing residence and work permits to 90 days and allow foreign workers to remain unemployed for up to three months during the validity of their permit, or six months if they have held it for more than two years.
Changing employers will be easier, temporary residence for foreign students will be granted for up to three years instead of one, and seasonal work permits may now be issued for up to three years.
Opposition MPs called for a comprehensive migration strategy
Anka Mrak Taritaš (GLAS) and Marijana Puljak (Centre) stressed the need for a serious migration policy framework.
Dalibor Paus (IDS) highlighted the importance of integration, while Jelena Miloš (We Can!)В called for stricter regulation of employment agencies, which, she said, exploit workers.
Miro Bulj (Bridge) repeated claims of “population replacement” and favouritism toward major business interests, urging protection of Croatian families.
“If there were a grain of political wisdom, instead of asking whether this is a country for Croats or Nepalese, we would ask whether it is a country for workers or for capital,” said Mišo Krstičević (SDP).
Independent MP Nino Raspudić said the law is of such importance for the country’s long-term economic, demographic and security trajectory that it should have been presented by the prime minister himself.
Ruling coalition MPs defended the bill. Branka Juričev Martinčev (HDZ) said it protects domestic workers, citizens and employers, while Ivica Kukavica (DP) said it strengthens integration through mandatory language learning.
