The challenges that foreign workers in Croatia face, how to address them, and how to improve their position in the labour market—thereby enabling better integration into Croatian society—were the topics discussed at a roundtable organized by Novi sindikat on 16 December 2025, at which Deputy Ombudswoman Dijana Kesonja participated.
Deputy Kesonja pointed out that an increasing number of complaints from foreign workers who are citizens of third countries have been submitted to the Ombudswoman’s Office. Some of the problems to which they refer are similar to those raised by domestic workers, while others are specific to foreign workers. Foreign workers most often complain about unpaid wages, unlawful and unpaid overtime work, failure to report workplace injuries, harassment, as well as work without residence and work permits and inadequate accommodation conditions.
According to data from the State Inspectorate, 86 foreign workers were injured at work last year, and six lost their lives. Deputy Kesonja emphasized the need to ensure the safety of all workers, including foreign employees, noting that those who do not speak Croatian may face additional challenges in training for safe work practices. She also highlighted that, unfortunately, foreign workers are often victims of verbal and physical attacks. In such cases, it is important to determine the motives, as this affects the classification of the offence or criminal act and the appropriate sanctioning of the perpetrator. The Ombudswoman’s Office monitors police proceedings in these situations.
Deputy Kesonja added that amendments to the Aliens Act present an opportunity to improve the situation of foreign workers in Croatia. Among other things, the amendments should facilitate changing employers, extend the period during which workers may search for employment, and establish an obligation for employers to inform workers about the status of their work permits.
In addition to Deputy Kesonja, the discussion included Mario Iveković, President of Novi sindikat; Tomislav Kiš, Secretary General of Novi sindikat; Member of Parliament Jelena Miloš; and Bangladeshi taxi driver Rakibu Mukasan.
