In a major crackdown on visa and work permit misuse, Croatia has announced new restrictions to prevent the abuse of its immigration system. The government has imposed stricter rules on work permits and visas, particularly targeting Bangladeshi nationals after uncovering large-scale fraud cases.

Authorities found that many foreign workers, after securing legal work permits, either never entered Croatia or used their visas to migrate illegally to other Schengen countries. As a result, the government has tightened screening measures, increased background checks, and warned of further restrictions if the issue persists.

Massive Work Permit abuse Exposed

The crackdown follows shocking statistics that reveal extensive visa misuse:

  1. 12,400 work permits were issued to Bangladeshi nationals in 2023.
  2. 8,000 permit holders never arrived in Croatia.
  3. Only 4,400 entered the country, but only 50% are actively employed.
  4. Workers from India, Nepal, the Philippines, and Egypt also engaged in similar visa abuses.
  5. Between 7,000 and 8,000 Bangladeshi nationals are currently legally employed in Croatia.

To curb these irregularities, Croatian authorities have halted or severely limited the issuance of work permits to Bangladeshi nationals until the issue is fully resolved.

Government's Response and Future Actions

In response to the crisis, Croatia’s Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs has communicated its concerns to the Bangladeshi Embassy in The Hague, urging immediate corrective action. If necessary, Croatia may suspend visas indefinitely for Bangladeshi workers unless proper labor migration agreements are established.

Key Government Measures:

  1. Enhanced screening of all visa and work permit applicants.
  2. Background checks to assess the risk of illegal migration.
  3. Tighter scrutiny of employment agencies facilitating foreign worker recruitment.
  4. Possible suspension of Bangladeshi work permits if fraud continues.
  5. Mandatory tracking of incoming workers to prevent unauthorized departures to other Schengen countries.

Strict Visa Checks to Prevent Further Abuse

The Croatian Ministry of the Interior has labeled Bangladeshi nationals as a high-risk migration group, citing frequent visa violations. Some foreign workers abandon their journey before reaching Croatia, with only their luggage arriving in the country.

To counter this, authorities will conduct thorough background checks before approving any visa or work permit. Applications will be denied if there is any suspicion of misuse.

New Visa Screening Measures:

  1. Detailed risk assessments of third-country applicants.
  2. Proof of intent to work in Croatia is required.
  3. Employment verification with Croatian companies.
  4. Stronger border control measures to prevent unauthorized departures.

These restrictions will apply to all third-country nationals, not just Bangladeshi workers.

Employment Agencies Under Scrutiny

Reports indicate that some recruitment agencies are complicit in visa fraud, failing to comply with employment agreements. The Croatian government is now investigating these agencies and plans to take legal action against those violating labor and immigration laws.

Key Actions Against Fraudulent Agencies:

  1. Audits of recruitment firms handling foreign workers.
  2. Stricter licensing requirements for agencies.
  3. Immediate penalties for non-compliant agencies.
  4. Cancellation of fraudulent work permits issued through illegal channels.

Comparison of Old and New Visa Rules

Criteria Previous Rules New Stricter Measures
Visa Approval Limited background checks Comprehensive risk assessment
Employment Verification Employer declaration required Active tracking of employment
Migration Risk Not a priority High-risk applicants screened
Agency Regulation Minimal oversight Strict penalties and audits

Impact on Foreign Workers and Croatian Employers

For Foreign Workers:

  1. Increased scrutiny before visa approval.
  2. Higher chances of visa denial for suspicious applications.
  3. Stricter monitoring after arrival in Croatia.
  4. Risk of permanent visa bans if violations persist.

For Croatian Employers:

  1. Harder to recruit Bangladeshi workers due to restrictions.
  2. Need for additional verification of job applicants.
  3. Increased government monitoring of labor contracts.
  4. Potential labor shortages in industries relying on foreign workers.

What’s Next?

The Croatian government has sent a strong message that visa abuse will not be tolerated. More reforms could follow if current measures fail to curb illegal migration. Bangladesh’s government has promised to cooperate, but whether that translates into effective action remains to be seen.

Foreign workers looking to move to Croatia must follow new regulations carefully to avoid delays or rejections. Meanwhile, employers must ensure compliance with immigration laws to avoid potential legal consequences.

How Visa Solutions 4u Can Help

Navigating new immigration rules can be complex, but Visa Solutions 4u makes the process easier. Our team of experts helps you:

  1. Stay updated on the latest Croatian visa regulations.
  2. Prepare accurate applications with proper documentation.
  3. Avoid visa rejection by ensuring compliance with new policies.
  4. Find legitimate employment opportunities in Croatia.
  5. Protect yourself from fraudulent agencies.

If you’re planning to work in Croatia, let Visa Solutions 4u guide you through the new work permit rules and ensure a smooth visa process. Contact us today!