Bosnia simplifies procedure for employment of foreign workers

The Protocol defines the procedure for submitting requests for residence approval and extension from outside BiH via diplomatic-consular missions, significantly speeding up and simplifying the process, especially in the context of employing foreign workers.

Minister Konakovic stated that after several meetings with employers' associations in both the Federation of BiH and Republika Srpska, and in conversations with employers facing a shortage of labour, a roadmap was created to ease and accelerate the process of bringing in foreign labour to support the country’s economy.

"We've managed to take a small but important step, and I hope this is just the beginning of a broader reform of our legislation to simplify the engagement of foreign workers both outside and within Bosnia and Herzegovina. Currently, foreign workers first receive permits to enter and stay in BiH, and only then begin the process of obtaining work permits. This puts them, and especially the employers, in a difficult position, as the workers often have to wait another month or two before they can start working,'' Konakovic explained.

He expressed satisfaction that this step has been achieved, saying it will help ease the burden on BiH’s economy and make it easier for employers to hire foreign workers.

He also expressed hope that this will be a transitional solution and that the need for foreign labour won’t last long, as Bosnians and Herzegovinians, those trained, skilled, and educated in the country, will take a more active role in building the nation’s economy.

Deputy Director of the Service for Foreigners’ Affairs, Almin Imamovic, explained that by signing the agreement, they eliminated the previous requirement to submit a request for verification of an invitation letter or to apply for a D Visa through diplomatic-consular missions.

"We have now enabled all foreigners, not only those coming to work with a work permit but also others seeking temporary residence, to submit their requests directly at BiH diplomatic-consular missions. This saves four to six months of processing time, which was previously required for issuing a D Visa and conducting security checks," Imamovic said.