Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan and Croatia have discussed a pilot programme to employ between 100 and 200 Uzbek citizens, as well as plans to recruit Uzbek construction teams to work in Croatia.
The issues were discussed by Migration Agency Director Muhsinkhuja Abdurakhmonov and Croatia’s ambassador to Uzbekistan, Refik Shabanovic, who is based in Astana. The talks focused on implementing agreements reached during a recent visit to Croatia by an agency delegation.
Under the proposed pilot programme, candidates would undergo preliminary online screening based on requests from Croatian employers. They would then receive professional and language training in Uzbekistan before the final selection.
The two sides also focused on recruiting construction teams. According to the Migration Agency, major Croatian companies are interested in specialists in electrical installation, facade work, finishing and other construction trades. Contracts could range from 20 days to several months. The Croatian side expressed readiness to provide workers with accommodation and work permits.
The parties also discussed the possibility of opening a Migration Agency office in Zagreb. It could provide legal and social support to Uzbek citizens working in Croatia, Slovenia and Serbia.
As part of workforce preparation, the sides considered designating specialised educational institutions in Uzbekistan, bringing in Croatian-language teachers and organising training tailored to employers’ requirements. They also proposed examining mechanisms for recognising pension and social insurance contributions paid by Uzbek citizens while working in Croatia.
According to figures cited at the meeting, around 5,500 Uzbek citizens are currently working in Croatia. The ambassador said employers had given positive assessments of their professional skills, work ethic and ability to adapt to local conditions.
Around 40 Uzbek citizens work at construction company Radnik d.d., which has expressed interest in recruiting additional specialists.
The sides also discussed holding a business forum in Uzbekistan in late November, with 10 to 30 Croatian companies expected to participate. Tourism, healthcare, services and seasonal employment were identified as promising areas for cooperation.
Following the talks, the parties agreed to step up efforts to secure specific recruitment requests from employers, launch the pilot programme and implement the agreements reached.
