June the 23rd, 2026 – A recent survey has revealed that over 70% of respondents believe that Croatia has now put itself into such a bad position that it needs foreign workers.
A large majority of Croatian citizens believe that foreign workers have become an important part of the country’s workforce, so much so that without them there would now be very serious issues. These results come from a new survey showcasing the clearly changing attitudes toward migration and employment across Croatia.
Index reports that this recently conducted poll found that more than 70% of respondents believe that Croatia now needs foreign workers, reflecting the growing role of international labour in a country facing severe shortages in several industries as a result of a dire demographic crisis.
Croatia has increasingly relied on foreign workers in more recent years as many domestic workers have moved abroad and employers struggle to fill vacancies regardless of the sector in questions. Foreign employees are now present in sectors including tourism, construction, transport, hospitality, and other service industries.
The survey also showed that many citizens support the arrival of foreign workers but believe integration is an important part of the process. A significant majority said that foreign workers should have equal rights to Croatian workers and that adapting to Croatian society should be encouraged.
Language remains one of the key issues raised by respondents. More than 70% of people surveyed believe that learning Croatian is necessary for foreign workers to function successfully both at work and in everyday life.
Opinions about the wider impact of foreign workers remain mixed. Some citizens see them as essential for economic stability and for filling labour shortages, while others express concerns about cultural changes, pressure on wages, and the ability of public services to adapt.
Personal experiences with foreign workers are generally more positive than broader public debates might suggest. Previous research has shown that many Croatians who have direct contact with foreign workers report positive experiences, although views on their overall impact on society remain divided.
As Croatia continues to face demographic challenges and a shrinking workforce, the role of foreign workers is expected to remain an important economic and social issue. The debate is increasingly focused not only on whether foreign workers are needed, but also on how Croatia can ensure successful integration and long-term cooperation.
