Montenegro’s planned changes to the employment of foreign nationals require careful consultation with businesses, according to the Montenegrin Employers Federation (UPCG).
Under the proposed system, a foreign worker could receive a residence and work permit only after obtaining approval from the Employment Agency. The procedure would include a labour-market test intended to determine whether suitable domestic workers are available.
UPCG warned that the additional approval could delay recruitment in industries already facing severe labour shortages, particularly tourism, hospitality, construction and other seasonal sectors.
The organisation supports stronger measures against illegal employment, worker exploitation, unpaid taxes and unfair competition. However, it argues that greater oversight should not impose unnecessary burdens on employers operating legally.
Official unemployment figures may not accurately show whether workers are genuinely available for a particular occupation, location and period. UPCG therefore believes that the labour-market test must reflect actual business conditions.
The federation recommends digitalising procedures and linking institutional databases to make recruitment faster and more predictable. Its review of practices in eight EU countries found no single mandatory model, with many governments simplifying procedures and exempting shortage occupations or highly qualified workers.
UPCG will prepare recommendations aimed at combining effective enforcement with easier legal recruitment.
