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Croatia to Halt Work Permits for Bangladeshi Workers Amid Migration Irregularities

The Croatian government is set to stop issuing work permits to Bangladeshi workers due to alleged violations of agreement terms by recruitment agencies, according to the Bangladesh Embassy in The Hague.

In a letter dated 23 January, the embassy informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) that irregularities involving Bangladeshi workers have drawn criticism from the European Union (EU). These irregularities include the unauthorized movement of workers to other Schengen countries despite holding Croatian work permits.

The letter revealed that in 2024, the Croatian authorities issued 12,400 work permits and visas to Bangladeshi workers. However, 8,000 workers did not arrive in Croatia, and of the 4,400 who did, only 50% are currently employed in the country.

This unauthorized migration has prompted the EU to urge Croatia to address the issue. The embassy warned that the matter could soon appear in Croatian media, potentially tarnishing Bangladesh’s reputation as a reliable source of overseas workers.

Currently, approximately 6,000 to 7,000 Bangladeshi workers are employed in Croatia, mainly in construction, restaurants, and food delivery sectors. The embassy noted that Croatian working conditions and benefits are better than in many other EU countries.

However, the misuse of Croatian work permits by Bangladeshi workers to illegally migrate to other Schengen nations has raised serious concerns.

The embassy recommended that MoFA collaborate with the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment to draft a workforce cooperation agreement with Croatia.

“This agreement will demonstrate Bangladesh’s commitment to addressing the issue and preventing further irregularities. Without proactive measures, Bangladesh risks losing this valuable labour market for an extended period,” the embassy cautioned.

MoFA spokesperson Rafiqul Alam confirmed that the ministry is aware of the situation and has initiated steps to resolve the issue.

Maintaining access to the Croatian labour market is crucial for Bangladeshi workers and preserving the country’s reputation in the global employment sector. Proactive efforts are essential to ensure compliance with international labour agreements and retain this potential avenue for overseas employment.

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