Being a safe country is Croatia’s advantage, but it must be maintained

The capital Zagreb

Croatia has consistently ranked among the safest countries in the world. Croatia’s security is one of its key advantages, but as security challenges grow in Europe, maintaining it requires constant effort.

Croatia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Davor Božinović has held a working meeting this week with police leadership, emphasising that Croatia’s security is not taken for granted but is the result of systematic and professional work.

Security Challenges in Europe

Božinović highlighted that we live in a time of security challenges, with the war in Ukraine, uncertainty surrounding NATO, and the rise of populism and radical movements.

Recent terrorist attacks in Germany and Austria serve as a reminder that threats have not disappeared.

“Croatia is safe, but not because it is small or well-organised by itself, but because we have made it so. Our task is to ensure it remains that way,” the minister stated.

Combating Abuses and Crime

A particular focus was placed on amendments to the Foreigners Act, which will enable better migration management and labour market protection.

The police have already identified abuses of work and residence permits as well as illegal financial transactions, requiring a swift and decisive response.

Clear Expectations for the Police

The minister issued specific instructions to police leaders: Strengthen field inspections of foreign workers’ accommodation.

Monitor digital platforms that may serve as channels for avoiding legal obligations.

Strictly enforce the law against employers who violate regulations.

Police officers are expected to be uncompromising in law enforcement, thorough in inspections, and better connected with institutions such as the Tax Administration and the Croatian Pension Insurance Institute.

Field inspections should be thorough and efficient, ensuring strict control over residence and employment registrations. Officers must also consider the broader perspective, upholding European standards while prioritising the protection of citizens.

As the world evolves, the minister says Croatian police must remain committed to safeguarding public security and maintaining national stability, despite the increasing complexity of their duties.

“The Croatian police must remain a pillar of security and legality. A state that does not control security loses control over its future. We in Croatia will not allow that,” Božinović concluded.

In 2024, Croatia saw a notable rise in foreign worker applications, with 286,000 residence and work permit requests, marking a 22% increase compared to 2023.

Zagreb

However, authorities discovered that many foreign workers, despite securing legal permits, either never arrived in Croatia or used their visas to travel to other Schengen countries.

Currently, 113,504 foreign workers hold valid work permits in Croatia, with the majority employed in sectors such as construction, tourism, hospitality, industry, transport, and trade.

The highest number of permits were granted to citizens from Bosnia and Herzegovina (38,100), Nepal (35,635), and Serbia (nearly 28,000), followed by workers from India (20,000), the Philippines (14,600), North Macedonia (under 14,000), Bangladesh (13,600), Kosovo (8,000), Uzbekistan (7,000), and Egypt (around 7,000).