Immigration and Foreign Workers Shape Croatia's Employment Market

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from the University of Zadar have made significant discoveries regarding the impact of immigration and foreign workers on employment and economic growth in Croatia. The study's primary objective was to understand how demographic and economic changes shape the labor market and evaluate their effects on gross domestic product (GDP) and wage levels. By analyzing 11 years of macroeconomic data, the researchers found that immigration and foreign workers significantly impact employment, particularly in stabilizing sectors like tourism and construction. A positive correlation was also established between the number of foreign workers and GDP growth.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study systematically examines the impact of immigration, emigration, and foreign workers on employment, unemployment, and economic growth in Croatia.
  • The primary objective of the research is to understand how demographic and economic changes shape the labor market and evaluate their long-term effects on GDP and wage levels.
  • The methodology used involves a comprehensive analysis of macroeconomic data from Croatia over the past 11 years, focusing on critical indicators such as employment, unemployment, immigration, emigration, foreign workers, wages, and GDP trends.
  • The findings reveal that immigration and foreign workers significantly impact employment, particularly in stabilizing sectors like tourism and construction.
  • A positive correlation was found between the number of foreign workers and GDP growth.
  • Targeted policies are needed to ensure the successful integration of foreign workers and the long-term sustainability of the domestic labor market.
  • The research was conducted by Mladen Rajko, Department of Economics, University of Zadar, and co-authored by Ivica Zdrilic and Monika Hordov.

Statistics:

  • The study analyzed 11 years of macroeconomic data from Croatia.
  • The number of foreign workers in Croatia has a positive correlation with GDP growth.
  • Immigration and foreign workers significantly impact employment, particularly in stabilizing sectors like tourism and construction.
  • The unemployment rate in Croatia is influenced by immigration and foreign workers.

Sources:

  • The Influence of Immigration and Foreign Workers on Croatia's Employment Market. World, 2025,6(2):49.
  • MDPI AG, publisher for World.
  • Mladen Rajko, Department of Economics, University of Zadar.
  • Ivica Zdrilic and Monika Hordov, co-authors of the research.