The labour market in Serbia is facing a shortage of workers in certain sectors. An example of this is drivers in public transport, so as in the case of Belgrade, foreigners are employed in those jobs. Also, on numerous infrastructural projects, the work is mainly performed by foreign workers. The lack of domestic labour supply results from decades of low fertility rates and the emigration of our residents, primarily to the countries of the European Union. It is estimated that in the next decade, from 2030 to 2040, Serbia will lack between 80 and 100 thousand workers.
On the other hand, the initiated process of green transition should ensure sustainable economic growth and development of the Serbian economy. However, it will inevitably lead to a change in the structure of jobs sought after in the labour market. In this connection, numerous questions arise regarding the adaptation of the domestic labour market to future needs. Smart management of labour migration in order to fill vacant jobs in Serbia is of key importance for ensuring a just transition and sustainable development.
A timely adjustment of the education system, formal and informal, is needed in order to create new personnel.
Meeting of permanent working bodies of the Social and Economic Council of the Republic of Serbia
On October 31, in Vrnjačka Banja, the Institute for Development and Innovation participated in the working meeting of the permanent working bodies of the Social and Economic Council of the Republic of Serbia on the topic of the role of social partners in the processes of green transition, sustainable development, and workforce migration.
The representative of the Institute, Milica Anđelković Đoković, presented the basic results of the labour mobility analysis between the countries of the Western Balkans but also spoke about the internal mobility of the labour force on the domestic labour market. The potential that foreign labour can have in the development of the Serbian economy, attracting investments, and bringing in new technologies and innovations was discussed.
On the other hand, the challenges faced by foreign workers in terms of their basic rights as well as the impact they have on the domestic labour market were also mentioned.
The joint conclusions from the meeting emphasized the need to involve social partners in all phases of the development of the concept and implementation of the green transition of the Serbian economy. All this while ensuring that the transition is fair for all workers, whether local or foreign. The need for a fundamental reform of the education system was emphasized, which must be harmonized with the needs of the economy and which, in addition to formal education, will place an even greater emphasis on informal education.
Also, the participants agreed that the hiring of foreign workers will be inevitable in the future. The simplification of procedures for hiring foreigners was welcomed, but the need for the state to work on strengthening inspection capacities that will supervise employers in the area of ensuring all legally prescribed conditions for the work and life of foreigners in Serbia was also emphasized.
