North Macedonia faces an increasing interest and need to attract foreign workers to fill low-skilled job positions. The existing regulatory framework, however, poses significant barriers to employing foreign nationals. This article will outline the benefits of simplifying these procedures, the pressing need for reform, and how changes could align Macedonia with broader European Union trends.
Current Challenges in Employing Foreign Workers
The current legal framework in North Macedonia, designed to protect local workers, now hampers the ability of businesses to address labor shortages. Employers face multiple bureaucratic hurdles, including proving the necessity of hiring a foreign worker over a Macedonian, dealing with complex qualification verifications, and navigating the intricate approval processes involving multiple government agencies.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) and the Employment Agency are key players in this process. The MIA assesses security risks, while the Employment Agency verifies qualifications and market needs. For low-skilled positions, this bureaucratic approach often results in unnecessary delays and rejections, stifling business growth or rejection of the application.
But, simplifying employment procedures for foreign workers could provide a significant boost to Macedonia’s economy. The benefits include:
Addressing Labor Shortages: Many sectors, particularly those requiring low-skilled labor, face severe workforce deficits. Easing restrictions would allow businesses to fill these gaps more efficiently.
Enhancing Competitiveness: By streamlining processes, Macedonia could attract more foreign investment, as companies would be more confident in their ability to meet labor needs.
Economic Growth: A steady influx of workers can contribute to increased productivity and economic output, fostering overall economic stability and growth.
Aligning with EU Trends
The European Union is aggressively revising its regulations to attract foreign workers, recognizing the economic advantages of a flexible labor market. North Macedonia must align with these trends to remain competitive. Adopting more straightforward, transparent procedures for employing foreign workers would help Macedonia integrate more closely with the EU labor market standards and practices.
Policy Recommendations
Simplified Visa Procedures: Introduce a streamlined visa application process specifically for low-skilled workers, reducing the administrative burden on both businesses and applicants.
Qualification Flexibility: Allow businesses greater autonomy in determining the qualifications required for specific positions, particularly for roles that do not necessitate formal education.
Single-Window Clearance: Establish a single-window system where businesses can complete all necessary paperwork and approvals in one place, minimizing delays and confusion.
Periodic Review of Labor Needs: Regularly assess the labor market to identify and address specific shortages, ensuring that policy adjustments are timely and relevant.
For North Macedonia to thrive economically, it is crucial to adapt its labor laws to the realities of a globalized workforce. By simplifying the employment procedures for foreign workers, particularly interested candidates from Asian countries, North Macedonia can address critical labor shortages, enhance its competitive edge, and align with broader EU regulatory trends. The new government must prioritize these reforms to foster economic growth and stability.
By Martin Boskoski, Founding Partner, Lalicic & Boskoski Law Office
