SINERGY project report on migrant employment rights
This report, prepared by the Office for Human Rights and Rights of National Minorities within the EU-funded SINERGY project, examines employment-related rights of third-country nationals (TCNs) in Croatia. The document outlines key EU directives and the Croatian legal framework regulating employment for these groups, and provides statistical data on residence and work permits issued in 2023–2024.
Developed using qualitative research and contributions from the Advisory Group of Third-Country Nationals, the Croatian Employment Service, and the Croatian Employers’ Association, the report identifies major barriers to labour market integration and proposes solutions. Key priorities include faster and more transparent recognition of foreign qualifications, better access to self-employment support, early and free language learning, and improved coordination across institutions. Strengthening anti-discrimination measures and ensuring equal treatment in the workplace are also emphasised.
Study on migrant integration in Zagreb
A new study analyses the integration experiences of two groups of forced migrants in Zagreb: people from Asian and African countries who have been granted international protection and people from Ukraine who have been granted temporary protection. The study defines these two groups, respectively, as ‘old’ and ‘new’ refugees – this is the first time that research in Croatia has made such a distinction within the forced migrant group.
The study presents similarities in the experiences of the two groups, in particular when it comes to inclusion in the education system and in access to healthcare. In general, labour market inclusion and access to housing, education and healthcare is found to be largely determined by language proficiency rather than by protection status. Similarities are also found between the experiences of both groups in the context of early integration. The study is published online in the Journal of Migration and Ethnic Issues (Migracijske i etničke teme).
Evaluation of integration measures in Zagreb
The Institute for Migration and Ethnic Studies (IMIN) conducted an external evaluation of the integration measures implemented by the City of Zagreb for the UNITES EU project. Specifically, the evaluation examines the City of Zagreb’s Action Plan for the integration of asylum seekers and persons granted international protection for 2022, the humanitarian station for people displaced in central Zagreb, and the city’s capacities for the collective accommodation of people displaced from Ukraine.
The evaluation finds that the City of Zagreb’s role in promoting the integration of asylum seekers and people granted international protection is generally viewed positively by civil society organisations, which in turn feel recognised as important actors and partners in migration-related developments. The city’s response to crisis situations (increased transit migration and reception of Ukrainians) is also highlighted as successful. More findings are laid out in the evaluation report.
Study on the integration of Indian migrant workers in Croatian society
Another recently published study by the Migration and Ethnic Themes journal examines the integration process of Indian nationals into Croatian society. Research participants included both medium- and high- skilled workers.
The study highlights the emergence and significant role of social networks in the integration of this group. These networks, beyond connections made via family and friends, are increasingly formed through social media platforms. Participants commonly stated that Croatian language skills are not often needed for their work or daily life, and that their Croatian employers – rather than state structures – provided support with accommodation, administrative procedures and adaptation on arrival. The study recommends developing national integration strategies for migrant workers and including workers themselves in advisory bodies to inform policymaking.
