The move comes in response to a sharp rise in the number of foreign workers entering Croatia, with over 132,000 from non-EU countries and nearly 11,000 from EU states already registered with the Croatian Pension Insurance Institute.
A key change in the proposal includes extending the validity of the EU Blue Card – a work and residence permit – from two to four years, specifically targeting skilled workers in the IT sector who lack formal qualifications but have at least three years of professional experience
New measures also include issuing residence and work permits for up to three years, with seasonal work permits valid for up to nine months.
In a significant shift, foreign workers will now be required to prove their competence in shortage occupations by providing evidence of experience or education, a requirement not previously enforced.
