As Montenegro continues to invest heavily in tourism, infrastructure, and residential construction, a growing shortage of labor is becoming a challenge not only for domestic companies but also for the entire region. This issue is not unique to the Balkans—Europe has been experiencing a chronic labor deficit for years in sectors such as construction, hospitality, logistics, healthcare, and various service industries.
In this context, the role of international recruitment agencies that connect the needs of the European market with workers from Asia and other parts of the world is growing. One of the most experienced among them is ABC International Placement Services FZCO, based in Dubai with operational centers in India, which has been successfully mediating in the employment of workers for more than two decades in markets such as Romania, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Poland, and Greece.
Company president Nikkhil Manshramani says that the main sectors in which they operate are construction, shipbuilding, facility management, tourism, manufacturing, healthcare, and delivery services. These industries have a constant demand for labor, especially when it comes to stable and long-term positions.
The agency currently works with clients from Romania, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Poland, and Greece, covering both permanent and seasonal jobs. They recruit workers from India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. Each country has its specific needs, whether in agriculture, tourism, shipbuilding, or manufacturing. Large events, such as the Expo in Serbia in 2027, significantly increase demand, while EU funds often stimulate major infrastructure projects, further boosting the need for workers.
Manshramani explains that while the global economy is highly changeable, overall demand remains stable, though it shifts between sectors. In times of crisis, the focus moves from luxury to basic needs, which means continued hiring in sectors such as affordable housing, logistics, the FMCG industry, and food delivery. The company works exclusively with stable firms willing to invest in staff over the long term.
Regarding risks such as changes in visa regimes or geopolitical tensions, the agency relies on experienced legal and international teams that constantly monitor migration laws and requirements in the countries where they operate. While large infrastructure projects can sometimes face delays due to political decisions, sectors like FMCG generally remain stable. In such cases, processes might be extended by a month or two but are ultimately completed.
The company only works with countries that have a clear stance on labor migration and are ready to import foreign workers. It is crucial that these countries have enough administrative staff in the relevant ministries to ensure efficient document processing. For each country, the agency has developed detailed checklists to ensure that no step is missed.
Support for workers does not end upon arrival. For every 75 workers, the agency assigns a coordinator for the first six months to help them adapt, addressing issues such as homesickness, climate, work performance, and other initial challenges. Later, once workers are settled, they are directed to all relevant institutions, including health and migration services. Local teams, in cooperation with employers, respond to all emergencies.
Although the company has not yet placed workers in Montenegro, Manshramani has visited the country and spoken with several employers, some of whom already have positive experiences with workers from Asia. Tourism is a major sector, while construction slows during the tourist season but infrastructure projects continue year-round. Due to the company’s strong presence in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and the wider Balkans are among its priorities. An additional advantage is that the Serbian Embassy in India handles visa procedures for Montenegro, a process the agency already knows well.
Looking ahead, Manshramani sees great potential in the Western Balkans for both employment and partnership development. The focus will remain on stable sectors, with Montenegro as a natural next step in the company’s expansion. He believes that the coming period will see significant growth in cooperation.
