WELDI baseline report

Challenges and needs
Migrant population
Refugees from Ukraine (about 500).
Economic migrants from Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Philippines working
in industry, e.g. in hospitality industries and in construction.
Need to move from emergency to mid-long term integration support
for Ukrainian refugees.
▷ Develop a mechanism for stakeholder coordination.
Obstacles to labour market integration (e.g. slow and costly national
procedures and language requirements for the recognition of foreign
qualifications, lack of childcare).
Some refugees have not acquired sufficient language skills as they did
not envisage staying for a longer period. Now there is a shortage of
language courses, in particular those that offer an official certification.
Lack a long-term vision and support for the future development of the
economic integration of refugees and asylum seekers.
Integration needs of foreign workers are not taken into account by
state.
Socio-economic context
Shrinking population.
Slow and steady real increase of GDP per capita.
12% unemployment in Osijek-Baranja county (11/2023).
2022 was the first year in more than a decade in which Croatia registered
a positive migration balance, mostly through inflows from Ukraine
and Asian countries.
Institutions such as schools and healthcare providers are not prepared
for dealing with newcomers.
▷ Learn about how to build long-term reception and integration
support structures, e.g. for economic integration.
Prejudice and sentiments of refugees receiving privileged treatment.
▷ Learn about initiatives that can reduce stereotypes among the
population.
Data on migrants (age, educational and professional background of
working foreigners) is scarce, distributed over many sources and not
systematised.
Funding of international donors is decreasing and relevant EU funding
(e.g. national AMIF programmes) is not available at present for continuing
support.
WELDI - Baseline report Osijek, HR 45