Macedonia labor market sees rise in informal employment

Macedonia is experiencing a complex shift in its labor market. According to the latest data from the State Statistical Office for the second quarter of 2026, the unemployment rate has fallen to 11.3 percent, with 90,020 people officially unemployed.

However, a significant rise in informal employment has emerged, with 101,022 individuals working outside the formal system—a figure that now exceeds the number of unemployed citizens. This informal workforce grew by 7.2 percent compared to the previous quarter. The majority of these workers (51 percent) are engaged in agriculture, forestry, and fishing, while 17.2 percent work in construction.

Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski noted that while the number of employed persons rose by approximately 17,000 between late 2024 and mid-2026, the country faces a paradox where businesses struggle to find qualified workers despite high unemployment. Mickoski expressed hope that developing high-value industries, such as data centers, could encourage the return of young professionals currently working abroad.