Montenegro proposes permanent seasonal worker status to stabilize labor market

Montenegro is working to introduce a ‘permanent seasonal worker’ status by the end of the year, aiming to transform seasonal roles into stable, year-round engagements for domestic workers. The proposed law, currently in parliamentary procedure, seeks to address chronic labor shortages by providing domestic unemployed persons, students, and retirees with wages, seniority, and insurance during the winter months.

Under the plan, employers would pay for insurance, while the state would provide a monthly compensation of approximately 108 euros. The model is inspired by Croatia, though officials note that Croatia eventually moved away from the system due to an increasing reliance on imported labor.

While employers support measures to mitigate labor deficits, the Union of Employers has raised concerns regarding the financial burden and the effectiveness of the compensation. They argue that even with these benefits, workers may still migrate to neighboring countries like Albania, Serbia, or Austria for higher wages.