Croatia Seeks Foreign Workers to Sustain Summer Tourism Season

Foreign Workers to Play a Crucial Role in Croatia’s Tourism Sector This Summer

Key Points:

1. Foreign workers are expected to play a vital role in sustaining Croatia’s tourism industry this summer.
2. The country is facing labor shortages, particularly in the hospitality sector.
3. While Bosnians remain the predominant foreign workforce in Croatia, there has been a rise in workers from India, Nepal, the Philippines, and Bangladesh.

Croatia is a top tourist destination, earning frequent recognition for its thriving tourism sector. However, ongoing labor shortages are posing a challenge, putting the industry at risk as it heavily depends on seasonal workers.

According to Ivana Mehle, Deputy Director of the Croatian Employment Service (CES), Croatia needed around 30,000 seasonal workers in the first half of 2022 to meet labor market demands. While this number decreased to 21,000 in 2023, labor shortages remain a significant issue, particularly in the tourism sector.

Croatia’s Interior Minister, Davor Božinović, has emphasized the importance of foreign workers in sustaining the economy, stating that the government will continue to support them.

"Our economy depends on them. Croatia is increasingly reliant on their efforts across various sectors, including tourism, construction, and services. They deserve the same safety and dignity as all of us."
— Davor Božinović, Croatian Minister of Interior

Growing Presence of Asian Workers in Croatia

While Bosnia and Herzegovina has traditionally been the main source of seasonal workers for Croatia, there has been a noticeable increase in workers from Asia.

"The majority of foreign workers in Croatia still come from Bosnia and Herzegovina, but we are seeing a growing influx from India and other Asian countries."
— Ivana Mehle, CES

Workers from Nepal, India, Bangladesh, and the Philippines are now arriving in larger numbers, thanks to the liberalization of Croatia’s Law on Foreigners, which has helped sustain the tourism industry.

Demand for Seasonal Workers Across Multiple Sectors

According to Total Croatia News, the highest demand for seasonal workers is in the hospitality and hotel industries, particularly in accommodation services, food preparation, and related roles.

Additionally, administrative and support services, including car rental agencies, travel agencies, and facility maintenance, rank as the second-most in-demand sectors. Transport and warehousing follow as the third-largest sector requiring workers.

Local reports indicate that the number of work permits issued by Croatian authorities reached a record high of 171,000 in 2024, marking a 14% increase compared to 2023.