Croatia work visa suspension for Bangladeshi workers
Key Takeaways:
- Croatia has stopped issuing work visas and permits for Bangladeshi nationals.
- The decision follows reports that Bangladeshi workers were misusing Croatian work permits to enter and work in other EU countries.
- Over 64.51% of Bangladeshi workers granted Croatian work permits in 2024 never arrived in the country.
- This suspension could damage the reputation of Bangladeshi workers across Europe.
- Prabesh Group has also halted work permit processing and recruitment services for Bangladeshi passport holders in Croatia.
Why Has Croatia Stopped Issuing Work Visas for Bangladeshi Workers?
According to Schengen, the Croatian government has reportedly suspended the issuance of work visas and permits for Bangladeshi nationals, citing widespread misuse of the system. News, many Bangladeshi workers who were issued work permits in Croatia never entered the country or used the permits to move to other Schengen states.
The issue gained traction after the Croatian government discovered that:
- In 2024, 12,400 work permits and visas were issued to Bangladeshi workers.
- 8,000 of those workers never arrived in Croatia.
- Of the remaining 4,400, only 50% are currently working in Croatia.
This widespread non-compliance led to criticism from the European Union, pressuring Croatia to tighten immigration controls and suspend work permit issuance for Bangladeshis.
Impact on Bangladeshi Workers & the EU Labor Market
The Croatian authorities have expressed concerns that Bangladeshi workers were using Croatia as a gateway to enter other EU countries like Germany, Italy, and France, violating the agreements set in place for labor migration.
This situation has raised alarms among employers in Croatia, who rely on foreign labor to fill workforce gaps in industries such as construction, hospitality, and manufacturing. While Croatia has one of the most favorable working conditions in Europe, the misuse of permits has put the entire system at risk.
Furthermore, other European countries might also reconsider recruiting Bangladeshi workers following Croatia’s move, which could harm Bangladesh’s reputation in the global labor market.
Prabesh Group’s Official Response
Prabesh Group, a leading recruitment agency specializing in global job placements, has announced that it will no longer process work permits or job services for Bangladeshi passport holders in Croatia due to this recent development.
This decision aligns with Croatia’s new immigration policies and ensures that Prabesh Group continues to uphold ethical recruitment practices while protecting workers from potential legal complications.
For workers seeking opportunities in Europe, Prabesh Group advises exploring alternative legal routes through official government agreements to ensure compliance with immigration policies.
Bangladesh’s Response & Future Outlook
The Bangladesh Embassy in The Hague has already informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about Croatia’s decision. Reports suggest that Bangladesh is working on a draft workforce cooperation agreement to address these concerns and ensure future labour mobility in Croatia and other EU nations.
Additionally, Bangladesh has been actively negotiating with Germany, Italy, Greece, and Romania to send 3,000 skilled workers under new agreements. However, this recent development in Croatia could create further obstacles in securing work opportunities for Bangladeshi workers across Europe.
Conclusion
Croatia’s suspension of work permits for Bangladeshi nationals underscores the growing concerns over irregular migration and labour misuse in the EU. While this decision is meant to protect Croatia’s labour market integrity, it also raises challenges for Bangladeshi job seekers who rely on European employment opportunities.
As a result, workers and recruitment agencies must remain cautious and ensure that migration processes follow legal guidelines to prevent future bans or restrictions. Prabesh Group will continue to monitor the situation and provide guidance on legal work opportunities for international job seekers.
For more updates on global job opportunities and immigration policies, visit Prabesh Group.