SARAJEVO, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) issued 6,702 valid work permits to foreign nationals in 2025 amid labor shortages across several sectors, the Agency for Labour and Employment of Bosnia and Herzegovina said on Monday.
About 76 percent of the new employment quota was filled during the year, while the total number of permits increased by 15.6 percent from 5,798 issued in 2024, according to the agency.
The agency said the largest labor shortages are in construction, hospitality and manufacturing sectors, which also received the highest number of work permits, followed by other service activities, trade, accommodation and food services, and arts, entertainment, and recreation.
Demand for labor in the tourism and hospitality sector increased ahead of the tourist season, as employers sought to secure workers in advance to avoid staff shortages during peak periods.
Foreign workers receiving the highest number of permits were citizens of India, Nepal, Turkey, Serbia, Bangladesh and China, the agency said.
However, procedures for hiring foreign workers remain complex and time-consuming, requiring adherence to multiple administrative procedures and regulations.
Local analysts say BiH is likely to continue relying on foreign workers in the coming years as labor shortages persist across several sectors. ■