The chances of the permanent seasonal worker law, which is still under public consultation, being enacted this year are minimal, according to Žarko Radulović, the president of the Montenegrin Tourist Association (CTU).
In an interview with Radio Montenegro, Radulović stated that the law is significantly delayed but emphasized that soon there may be no need for such a category of workers.
Slobodan Mikavica, president of the Employers’ Union, expressed skepticism about the implementation of this legal solution this year, according to the RTCG portal.
He mentioned that while the draft law has its advantages, it also has shortcomings, particularly the lack of qualified labor, especially in construction and agriculture, which, he believes, will not solve the fundamental problem.
Although the summer tourist season is approaching, and an increase in visitor numbers is expected for the upcoming holidays, the permanent seasonal worker law has not yet been passed. The draft is still under public consultation until April 20.
Radulović noted that those who are seriously involved in tourism are already preparing for the 2026 season.
“For this year, it is impossible to implement something like this. It’s seriously overdue. Soon, we won’t even need seasonal workers anymore because we are gradually hiring full-time employees. Little by little, we will fill all those positions and won’t need seasonal workers at all,” said Radulović.
Mikavica added that even if the law is adopted quickly, it won’t produce results this season.
“Even if the law is passed, it won’t have an impact this season. If we recognize the labor relationship between employers and seasonal workers as something beneficial, it might continue next year, taking advantage of the benefits that the permanent seasonal worker law brings,” Mikavica stated.
Radulović believes that the law would be valid and sustainable if the state partially covered the costs of paying seasonal workers during off-seasons.
“Not the entire salary, but some amount, which Slovenia has done. Then, it would make sense,” he said.
On the other hand, Mikavica pointed out that the law has advantages, such as simpler employment procedures, social security for workers, and work experience even during off-seasons. However, he emphasized that it won’t solve the fundamental issue, which is the lack of skilled labor.
“The lack of qualified labor is the problem. We need to seek it primarily in the region, and for certain sectors, even beyond,” Mikavica noted.
Radulović suggested that it would be effective for the state to form a special fund to finance additional training or retraining of workers during their off-seasons.
The two agreed that the key issue for this season is to simplify the procedures for obtaining work permits, as many foreigners are turned away at the border because necessary paperwork has not been processed in Montenegro’s institutions.
