The government has increased this year’s quota for work permits for foreigners by 3,269 at today’s session, and has also amended the decision allowing employment in public service and state administration for jobs related to EU funds.
In construction, the government has approved 985 new permits for the employment of foreigners, in tourism 270 permits, in transport 650 permits, in the food industry 508, and in agriculture and forestry 747 permits.
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Minister of Labor and Pension System Marko Pavić stated that Croatia is experiencing a record decline in the unemployment rate, but this is accompanied by a significant increase in the employment rate.
Although the government’s policy is to maximize the domestic workforce and although the government has adopted a series of measures in that direction, there is still an imbalance between supply and demand, which is why the quotas are being increased, Pavić emphasized.
“Currently, there are 14,417 job vacancies advertised at the Employment Service that we cannot fill,” said the minister.
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The government has also approved the employment of officials and clerks in public services and state administration for positions managing and controlling the use of EU funds, amending the Decision on the prohibition of new employment of officials and clerks in public services and state administration bodies.
“This will enable greater adaptability and accelerate the process of additional employment in the management, control, and use of ESI funds, reduce administrative burdens, and ensure the necessary capacities and consequently greater utilization of financial resources from EU funds,” said Minister of Administration Lovro Kuščević.
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He added that this year more than 400 percent more EU funds have been approved compared to 2016, and that this requires additional engagement to contract the funds and realize EU projects.
In relation to this point, the government has also amended the regulation on job titles and coefficients of job complexity in the civil service, thereby enabling a 30 percent higher salary for civil servants working on the implementation of EU projects.
