The Montenegrin Employers Federation (UPCG) has called for consultation with businesses over planned changes to the employment of foreign nationals, warning that new approval requirements could affect recruitment in sectors facing labour shortages. Under the proposed framework, foreign workers would be eligible for a residence and work permit only after approval from the Employment Agency. The process would include a labour-market test to establish whether suitable domestic workers are available.
UPCG said the additional approval procedure could slow recruitment in industries already experiencing significant shortages of workers, including tourism, hospitality, construction and other seasonal activities.
The federation supports stronger action against illegal employment, worker exploitation, unpaid taxes and unfair competition, but said enhanced oversight should not create unnecessary administrative requirements for employers complying with the law. UPCG also noted that official unemployment statistics may not provide an accurate indication of whether workers are actually available for a specific occupation, location and period. The federation therefore believes that the labour-market test should take account of prevailing business conditions.
The organisation has recommended digitalising employment procedures and connecting institutional databases to make the recruitment of foreign workers faster and more predictable. A UPCG review covering practices in eight EU countries found that there is no single mandatory model for labour-market testing. In several countries, authorities have simplified procedures or introduced exemptions for occupations experiencing labour shortages and for highly qualified workers. UPCG said it will prepare recommendations intended to combine stronger enforcement measures with more efficient legal recruitment of foreign workers.
