Croatia does not have a comprehensive migration and integration policy for all foreigners in the society, yet recently a possible step towards its creation was missed. Namely, only those with granted international protection were covered in the recently adopted integration measures, and there were only about 100 of them in 2016, stated the Ombudswoman Lora Vidović during the public debate on the Draft Action Plan for Integration of Persons Granted International Protection for the Period 2017 to 2019. And even though such a document is indeed welcomed since it could improve integration, it is in no way enough, said Ombudswoman Vidović.
Lack of a consistent migration and integration policy is especially worrying in relation to many researches which show that in Croatia prevails negative attitude towards economic immigrants, foreign students, asylum seekers and immigrants in general. Citizens demonstrate high percentage of xenophobia which might result in discrimination. One of more efficient ways of changing such negative attitude is integration of immigrants in the society, concluded the Ombudswoman and called for preparation and adoption of comprehensive policies including all foreigners.
