Why 80,000 Croatians in Austria are being called home

ZAGREB, 26 Oct (Hina) – The Croatian Chamber of Commerce’s (HGK) office in Austria organised, in collaboration with the Croatian Embassy, the event “Return to Homeland,” where a dozen Croatian companies presented the economic situation in and prospects for returning to Croatia, HGK said on Friday.

At this first event of its kind, representatives from HGK, the embassy, and the Ministry of Demography and Immigration informed participants about promising sectors, job openings, working conditions, and business opportunities in Croatia.

Current government measures and long-term plans related to the return of emigrants and demographic renewal were also presented.

It is estimated that 80,000 Croatians work in Austria, and some Croatian citizens, especially those who emigrated when Croatia joined the EU, may be interested in returning home.

According to the event organisers, the target audience includes Croatian citizens who have expressed a desire to return or are interested in government support and incentives for returnees, as well as employment opportunities in various sectors.

The participants, many of whom represent Croatian associations and communities in Austria, including Burgenland Croats, were also informed of the challenges related to education, healthcare, labour relations, and tax incentives.

“Croatia is quickly catching up with the more developed EU member states. We are seeing record-high employment along with wage growth that outpaces inflation, and nearing 80% of the EU development standard could encourage some emigrants to return home,” said Tomislav Radoš from HGK.

Daniela Reinisch, director of the HGK’s office in Austria, said the office has recognised the labour shortage in Croatia as an issue for Croatian businesses, adding that this event aims to encourage Croatian emigrants in Austria to return.

“The Croatian diaspora, with its knowledge, skills, and experience, significantly contributes to the countries they live in, and our goal is to create and foster a supportive social environment for a vital Croatia – high-quality business, scientific, educational, and social opportunities, creating conditions to attract our emigrants and their descendants,” said Ivana Perkušić from the Ministry of Demography and Immigration.

At the accompanying job fair, Croatian companies and the job profiles sought by Croatian employers were presented.

“For two years now, the Croatian Employment Service (HZZ) has offered the ‘I Choose Croatia’ programme, providing a grant of €7,000 to returnees who open a business or establish a company. So far, over 600 people, mostly returnees from Germany, have used this programme,” said Ivana Mehle from HZZ.