There is a growing number of foreign workers from various countries, mostly African, coming to Bosnia and Herzegovina to fill jobs in need of labor. As many as 247 have found a new home and job in Bijeljina.

The “Lara” Foundation from Bijeljina conducted research on foreign workers in Semberija, with project coordinator Ljiljana Lukic presenting the details on *Novi dan*.

Speaking to N1, Lukic highlighted that the research covered 2023 and part of 2024.

“Our geographic area is unique because we are located on the border, so we have many foreign workers coming from Serbia. However, in recent years, there has been an increasing demand for workers in the construction and hospitality sectors, with workers arriving from Turkey, Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Tanzania, and other African countries. The data we collected during the research shows that 247 work permits were issued for foreign workers in the Bijeljina area. Most of them are employed in the construction sector, primarily aged between 18 and 50, with the majority being men – 209 men and 38 women,” Lukic said to N1.

She emphasized that, once they have a work permit, the same laws apply to foreign workers as to local workers, and they have the same rights.

“Our research included not only relevant institutions but also local employers who hire foreign workers. One company involved in construction and running gas stations explained why there is a need for foreign workers. They faced situations where local workers from employment offices refused to take the jobs. This analysis, in addition to the field data, also included a media analysis – how local media covered foreign workers. Generally, they haven’t,” she noted.

When asked how the local population treats foreign workers and if there is xenophobia, as has been the case in Croatia, Lukic stated that the population distinguishes between migrants and foreign workers, but media could help improve the image of foreign workers.

“The public does not view migrants, who move through the city, in a favorable light, although recently there have been fewer of them. They haven’t received many welcoming glances. But these migrants are in transition and stay briefly. When it comes to foreign workers who have permits and live here, it’s essential to raise awareness and talk about these new fellow citizens, their life stories, to create a more positive public image and prevent xenophobia, so they are accepted as our fellow citizens. During our roundtable, we heard positive stories, one of which was shared by a woman whose son works in a restaurant with an Indian coworker, and they get along well. If that story had been published in the media, it would have received positive reactions,” Lukic said.