Budva, 15.05.2025
Our country sees migrants not only as a workforce, but also as carriers of knowledge, experience, cultural exchange and economic potential. The regulated inclusion of foreign workers contributes to raising productivity, developing labor-intensive industries and stabilizing employment, said Minister of Economy and Labor Besar Durmishi at the regional conference on labor migration held in Budva, organized by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and partner institutions from the region.
Minister Durmishi gave his address at the panel discussion where he discussed with colleagues from the region for the regional perspectives of labor migration in the Western Balkans.
"For labor migration to be successful, it must be accompanied by social and integration policies. This means protecting workers' rights, combating discrimination, respecting cultural differences and ensuring equal access to information and institutions," said the Minister, adding that in North Macedonia, in accordance with the Law on Employment and Work of Foreigners, a stable and clear legal mechanism is provided, through which foreign workers can be included in the economy of our country, always in accordance with domestic needs and standards. The law provides for the establishment of an annual quota for work permits, which must not exceed 5% of the total employed population in the country.
For 2025, the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia has set a quota of 10.000 work permits for foreigners. This figure is the result of a careful analysis of the labor market situation and the expressed needs for labor in various sectors," said Durmishi, emphasizing that the system is precise, transparent and respects the domestic workforce, while at the same time making room for filling the shortage profiles with qualified foreign workers.
According to the Minister, the Government's commitment is to create an environment where everyone who legally lives and works in our country will feel safe, respected and supported.
“Labor migration represents an opportunity for economic growth for every country – but only if it is managed wisely, with respect for human rights, with a vision for the future and with a willingness to cooperate. Our goal is clear – to build society in which labor migration fuels growth, connects people and creates shared future of stability, development and dignity.
"Our country remains open to cooperation with the countries of the Western Balkans and beyond. We believe that through joint planning and harmonization of regulations, we can enable the circulation of skills, support innovation and reduce the gray economy," concluded Minister Durmishi.