North Macedonia Secures Long‑Term Work Visas for Drivers in Six Schengen Countries

North Macedonia's Minister of Transport, Aleksandar Nikolloski, announced that bilateral talks have resolved the problem of professional drivers facing restrictions in the Schengen area. Agreements have already been reached with Switzerland, Croatia and Romania, while final negotiations are under way with Slovenia, Austria and Germany. Under the new arrangements drivers will be issued long‑term work visas, eliminating the need to count days of stay as tourists.

Transport associations had protested the EU's Entry/Exit System, which would limit drivers to about 15 days per month in the Schengen zone, warning of severe economic consequences for Macedonia and the wider Western Balkans. The government pursued the negotiations independently, stating that no obstacles are expected for operations involving Greece and Bulgaria.