Uzbekistan and Croatia Sign Labor Cooperation Agreement
The bilateral deal establishes a framework for the organized recruitment of foreign workers into the Croatian labor market.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Jobs — General
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Uzbekistan and Croatia have signed an agreement to facilitate legal employment opportunities for Uzbek citizens. The deal creates a government-to-government mechanism to coordinate labor migration and ensure safe working conditions.
Why it matters
This partnership aims to standardize the recruitment process for foreign workers while addressing Croatia's need for specialized talent in key industries. By formalizing these channels, the countries seek to reduce irregular migration and improve worker protections.
The nations proposed a pilot selection process involving 50-100 Uzbek construction specialists to initiate the cooperation. This pilot serves as a benchmark for potential expansion into larger-scale recruitment programs.
The players
Uzbekistan Migration Agency
This government entity is responsible for managing the employment of Uzbek citizens abroad and is considering the establishment of a formal presence in Croatia.
The details
The agreement includes plans for targeted vocational and language training for candidates to meet specific employer requirements in Croatia. Officials are also exploring the possibility of opening a representative office of the Uzbekistan Migration Agency in Croatia to manage the transition and support incoming workers.
Timeline
Negotiations and the signing of the agreement occurred in Zagreb on 15 October 2026.
Market Landscape
The bilateral agreement between Uzbekistan and Croatia follows a pattern of localized labor recruitment models emerging as a supplement to the EU's Blue Card Directive. This approach helps nations navigate the competitive global race for skilled labor by securing direct pipelines for sector-specific personnel.
Employers in the construction sector may gain access to a pre-trained, vetted workforce through these new formal recruitment channels. For local job seekers and businesses, this integration aims to stabilize labor availability and fill long-standing gaps in specialized roles.
The takeaway
This agreement highlights the increasing reliance on government-managed labor pathways to balance domestic workforce shortages. Companies and prospective workers should monitor for future pilot programs that may expand into sectors like medicine and engineering.
Further reading
Learn more about international labor trends on our Jobs — General page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by UzDaily.
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