Foreign workers are becoming an increasingly common sight in Belgrade, filling roles as bus drivers, cooks, civic workers and cleaners. In the absence of domestic labor, the capital is increasingly turning to foreign workers to meet its needs. This trend seems to be beneficial for both foreign employees and Serbian employers. A young Cuban woman, Ayled Kabera, who works in a pastry company as a cake decorator, is one example of this mutually beneficial relationship.
Kabera shared her experience with Euronews Serbia, explaining that she initially started decorating cakes but has since learned to work in other areas of pastry production. She mentioned that learning a bit of Serbian and communicating with her colleagues in a mix of Serbian and English has been an enriching experience. Kabera chose Serbia because obtaining a work permit here is much easier than in other countries. Her employer, a company producing cakes and pastries, brought in foreign workers to meet the growing demand for production. They have nothing but praise for Kabera and other foreign workers from India, noting that they are hardworking, eager to learn, and even taking private Serbian lessons in their spare time. Additionally, the company provides them with accommodation and other benefits, making their work in Belgrade easier.
Easier work permit process
The amendments to the Law on Foreigners introduced earlier this year have simplified the process for obtaining a work permit in Serbia. The introduction of an electronic system has made the application process faster and more efficient, with work permits now being issued in as little as two days. Lawyer Srđan Kašiković noted that this new system has significantly improved the speed and ease of submitting requests.
Milan Bosnić, the Director of the National Employment Service, explained that the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the National Employment Service are responsible for granting work permits. The process is simplified by the fact that all documentation is submitted electronically, and the request is automatically processed by the relevant institutions. According to Bosnić, if there is no qualified domestic worker for a job, the positions are filled by foreign labor.
Nebojša Atanacković, the Honorary President of the Union of Employers of Serbia, pointed out that foreign workers are now afforded nearly the same rights as Serbian workers. They receive a unique work and residence permit valid for three years, with the option to extend and change employers. He added that Serbia’s labor legislation is now practically aligned with European standards, especially in terms of opportunities for foreign workers.
Increasing demand for foreign labor
The growing demand for foreign workers in Serbia is largely driven by the country’s expanding economy and increasing foreign investments. Bosnić noted that to maintain this growth, Serbia needs a larger workforce. As Serbia becomes an attractive destination for foreign workers, many people are choosing to come here because of the country’s safety, the availability of jobs, and the legal protections afforded to foreign workers.
Atanacković emphasized that Serbia faces competition from Western European countries, which can offer higher wages. Nonetheless, salaries in Serbia have been steadily rising, and more foreign workers are coming to fill critical positions in the labor market.
Labor shortages in specific sectors
Atanacković identified several sectors experiencing labor shortages, including construction and hospitality. Skilled workers such as carpenters, welders, and other construction craftsmen are in high demand, and Serbia has not been training enough personnel in these fields. The lack of skilled workers is also impacting the hospitality industry, where there is a shortage of kitchen assistants, waiters and cooks. Bosnić also noted that Serbia is facing a shortage of highly qualified workers, including doctors, IT professionals, and engineers.
The origin of foreign workers
Atanacković pointed out that foreign workers from countries like India, Nepal, Russia, China, and Turkey are most commonly employed in Serbia. Many of these workers do not speak Serbian, but their ability to communicate in English has made them attractive to employers, particularly those from Asian countries. Bosnić added that the National Employment Service helps employers fill labor shortages by sourcing foreign workers when the local workforce is unavailable.
Despite the influx of foreign workers, Bosnić stressed that the government is committed to protecting domestic workers while also supporting the economy’s growth. He acknowledged the parallels with the migration patterns of previous generations when Serbs left to work abroad in the 1960s and noted that it is crucial for both employers and Serbian citizens to treat foreign workers with respect and kindness, ensuring that they feel welcome in the country.
As Serbia continues to grow and attract foreign investments, the reliance on foreign labor is likely to increase, making it important to maintain a balance between supporting domestic workers and meeting the labor demands of the economy.
