Zagreb
ZAGREB, 21 November 2025 (Hina) – Only three percent of Croatian citizens say they are fully or partly satisfied with the presence of foreign workers in the country, while 97 percent express dissatisfaction or neutrality, according to new research by the Institute for Migration Research.
Conducted in early November in cooperation with the agency Medianet, the second wave of the study surveyed a nationally representative sample of 1,000 adults via telephone interviews.
Rising Levels of Dissatisfaction
This year’s results point to a rise in criticism compared with last year. Full dissatisfaction was expressed by 20.63 percent of respondents, up from 16.5 percent in the first wave.
A further 42.16 percent reported being partly dissatisfied, while 34.13 percent described their stance as neutral.
Only a small minority showed any level of approval: 2.78 percent said they were partly satisfied, and just 0.30 percent fully satisfied.
Key Concerns: Security and Employment
Although concerns about crime were also dominant last year, the structure of dissatisfaction has shifted. The most frequently cited reason for negative views remains fear of rising crime, mentioned by 69.8 percent of dissatisfied respondents.
This is now followed by concerns of an economic and labour-market nature.
• 51.7 percent worry that foreign workers reduce job opportunities for Croatian citizens.
• 47.7 percent believe their presence lowers wages and work standards.
• 48.8 percent cite cultural differences, though this factor has weakened in intensity compared to last year.
Among the small group satisfied with the presence of foreign workers, cultural diversity stands out as the leading positive factor.
• 87.1 percent believe foreign workers enrich cultural exchange and social life.
Other perceived benefits include reduced unemployment (58.1 percent), increased economic productivity (48.4 percent), and better availability of certain services (19.4 percent).
For the first time, the study measured social distance towards foreign workers—and results reveal a significant social barrier.
Almost no respondents said they would accept a foreign worker as a family member. Only 2.4 percent would welcome one as a friend, 5.7 percent as neighbours, and around 10 percent as colleagues.
Acceptance appears strongest in workplace settings, while closer social ties remain largely rejected.
Demographic Differences Small, but Unemployed More Critical
According to the analysis, attitudes vary little by gender, age, or education. Younger respondents show slightly more neutral or mildly positive views, while older citizens more often cite security concerns.
Differences based on employment status are more pronounced. Unemployed respondents express stronger negative attitudes, particularly around job security and economic pressures.
Those in work share similar concerns but to a lesser degree, while pensioners more frequently highlight safety issues.
Researchers: Integration Will Be a Major Challenge
Lead researcher Ivan Balabanić notes that societal concerns have shifted since last year.
“While last year dissatisfaction centred on fears of crime and perceived cultural diversity, this year citizens are far more focused on security, job availability, and wage levels,” he said.
The study also shows that Croatians largely avoid forming personal relationships with foreign workers. “This suggests,” Balabanić added, “that they are seen primarily as temporary labour rather than as potential fellow citizens.”
Given that integration requires openness from both foreign workers and the local population, Balabanić believes the findings indicate significant challenges ahead.
Institute director Marina Perić Kaselj emphasised the importance of systematic research in shaping migration policy.
“Only through consistent data collection and analysis can we base public debate on verified insights rather than assumptions or isolated impressions,” she said.
She added that ongoing monitoring is crucial for effective migration management and the development of sustainable public policies.
