North Macedonia unemployment count falls amid emigration and demographic shifts

In North Macedonia, the total number of unemployed persons has decreased to 90,020 in the second quarter of the year, a reduction of 1,357 people compared to the previous year. However, the unemployment rate remains stagnant at 11.3%.

Economists attribute this decline in the number of unemployed individuals to several factors, including the emigration of the young workforce, a decline in the natural population growth rate, and efforts to combat the grey economy. Additionally, changes in state procedures, such as providing health insurance to certain individuals, may result in them no longer being classified as active job seekers.

Data also indicates a 1.2% decrease in the working-age population between 25 and 49 years old, while the number of employed persons over the age of 65 has increased by 2.7%. Experts warn that the current economic structure lacks the productivity and innovation necessary to drive significant GDP growth.