Similar to other European countries, opportunities for Bangladeshi workers in Croatia, a Central-Eastern European country, are increasing. Reports suggest that in recent years, many workers from Bangladesh have been employed in Croatia’s construction, tourism, and hospitality sectors.
Croatia does not have an embassy in Bangladesh. However, Bangladeshi workers are increasingly participating in the country’s business sector. Previously, those interested in obtaining a Croatian visa had to travel to New Delhi, India, to apply.
In response to this situation, from December 4 last year, VFS Global announced that it would begin accepting visa applications. VFS, a private organization, assists in the visa application process in various countries with the legal authorization of the respective nations.
As a representative of the concerned embassies, VFS collects biometric data and required documents for visa applications. However, in recent days, rumors on social media have suggested that the Croatian government is planning to tighten its visa issuance process for Bangladeshis.
Several Facebook groups focused on Bangladeshi workers interested in going to Croatia shared a letter allegedly from the Bangladesh Embassy in the Netherlands. The letter, addressed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed concern and urged immediate action from the Bangladeshi government. The issue has also been covered by various Bangladeshi media outlets.
Recently, several Croatian media outlets reported that the Croatian government is tightening visa rules for workers from Bangladesh and other South Asian countries.
Attempts to verify the authenticity of the letter with officials from the Bangladeshi Embassy in the Netherlands went unanswered. However, an official from Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that they are aware of the matter.
Notably, Bangladesh does not have an embassy in Croatia. The Bangladeshi Embassy in the Netherlands represents Bangladesh in Croatia.
Croatian newspaper Večernji List reported that around 7,000 to 8,000 Bangladeshis are currently residing legally in Croatia. The newspaper published a report on workers from Bangladesh, other South Asian nations, and some African countries.
According to the report, Croatia issued visas to 12,300 Bangladeshi workers in 2023. Among them, 8,000 did not enter Croatia. The newspaper speculates that these workers may have moved to other Schengen countries. Of the remaining 4,400 workers, half reportedly fled from Croatia. The report also mentions similar actions by workers from India, Nepal, the Philippines, and Egypt, although the trend is more pronounced among Bangladeshis.
Another Croatian media outlet, Croatia Week, reported that in light of the situation, the Croatian government plans to impose stricter conditions for issuing visas to foreign workers. Due to the higher prevalence of such incidents among Bangladeshi workers, additional scrutiny will be applied to their visa applications. This includes assessing whether applicants have intentions to leave Croatia or pose any risks.
However, this additional scrutiny will apply to all countries whose workers are involved in such activities. According to Croatia Week, the Croatian government has already informed the Bangladeshi Embassy in the Netherlands about this matter.
The Croatian government reportedly plans to introduce additional verification measures for Bangladeshi visa applicants to ensure they do not intend to flee or create risks. Croatian media also mentioned that the government has urged Bangladesh to take immediate action regarding this issue.
A spokesperson for Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that steps will be taken to resolve the issue. The official confirmed that they will discuss the matter with the embassy and take necessary measures.