The lack of manpower in certain branches is increasing every day, which can be expected to cause problems in the future of production and other activities. .

The lack of manpower in certain branches is increasing every day, which can be expected to cause problems in the future of production and other activities. The labor shortage trend has existed for years and is accelerating. This cannot be avoided - not even by raising wages.

The biggest problem is the lack of manpower in the sectors that are the most labor-intensive, but also in the high-tech sector. The intense lack of workers appears in shops, tourism and hospitality - especially when it comes to sellers, butchers, bakers, waiters, cooks, maids and receptionists.

Currently, we are facing a shortage of truck and bus drivers, as well as a lack of controllers with auto mechanic and traffic qualifications. There is a lack of technicians, workers in the chemical industry and craftsmen - especially carpenters, locksmiths, toolmakers, shoemakers, car mechanics, painters, plumbers, as well as furniture manufacturing workers.

Due to the lack of labor force in certain areas in Serbia, more and more foreigners are finding work in our market. In 2021 alone, the National Employment Service (NES) issued around 23 000 work permits, which is almost doubled compared to the previous year, when, according to official data, 12 300 foreign workers were registered in Serbia.

According to the Law on the Employment of Foreigners, foreign nationals must obtain a residence permit from the MUP, followed by a work permit issued by the NES - obtained for them by the employer who hires them. If a worker is a resident of a non EU-member country (or a country that does not fall under the Schengen zone) he will most likely first be granted the so-called "D visa" – a visa for a long stay, before the regulation of temporary residence and the work permit.

The “D visa” allows foreigners to stay and work in Serbia for a period of 90 to 180 days, with the possibility of extension in accordance with the procedures. When these conditions for employment or self-employment are acquired, the foreigners gain the same rights and obligations as domestic workers, i.e. the Labor Law applies to them. When it comes to seasonal jobs, the employer can hire seasonal workers for a maximum of 180 days during the calendar year: counting the calendar days from the first registration of seasonal workers through the Portal of the Tax Administration, until the last deregistration of seasonal workers from that portal. The days in which there were no seasonal workers are not counted.

The employer can hire the same seasonal worker for a maximum of 120 working days in a calendar year. When hiring foreigners, it is important that: ● The Labor Law is respected ● The situation on the ground is controlled by the labor inspection ● A foreign worker has adequate working conditions and proper accommodation, ● A foreign worker has freedom of movement - that is, he is not to be deprived of his passport at any moment.