The Management Board of the Employment Agency of Montenegro (ZZZ) approved the mid-year report showing significant improvement in the country’s labor market.
As of June 30, there were 27,950 registered unemployed individuals, with women making up 60% of this number. Compared to the same date last year, unemployment decreased by 6,760 people. The unemployment rate dropped to 9.13%, down 2.43 percentage points from 11.56% a year earlier.
The highest unemployment numbers were recorded in the Podgorica regional unit (including Podgorica, Danilovgrad, Zeta, Tuzi, and Cetinje), with 6,670 unemployed or 23.87% of the total. Other significant regions included Rožaje and Petnjica with 4,490 unemployed (16.06%) and Berane and Andrijevica with 4,090 (14.65%). The lowest unemployment was in Herceg Novi, Kotor, and Tivat (548 persons), Pljevlja and Žabljak (1,760), and Bar, Budva, and Ulcinj (1,930).
During the first half of the year, 7,690 new unemployed persons were registered, 10% fewer than in the same period last year. However, long-term unemployment remains a challenge.
Employers reported 13,300 job vacancies in the same period, 5% fewer than last year, mostly in education, accommodation and food services, and trade sectors.
Foreign labor continues to play an important role, particularly in accommodation, food services, construction, and other services. Over 22,000 temporary residence and work permits were issued, mainly to citizens of Serbia, Turkey, Russia, Albania, Azerbaijan, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Employment Agency implemented nine active employment programs for 1,100 people, including 256 young NEET individuals from three pilot municipalities, with a budget of 3.66 million euros. Eight of these programs are set for implementation, supporting 874 people with a budget of 1.64 million euros.
ZZZ has been accredited as the main financial contracting authority between the EU and Montenegro for labor market programs. The agency continues to strengthen its institution, enhance international cooperation, and prepare for the implementation of IPA III fund programs, alongside ongoing IPA projects.
The Employment Agency plans to continue executing measures and programs aimed at supporting the unemployed, further reducing unemployment, and improving the labor market.
