State Secretary for Croats Abroad, Zvonko Milas, told Hina that with a certificate issued by the Ministry of Demography and Immigration, these individuals will be able to live, work, study Croatian, and apply for citizenship. The Croatian Parliament will soon review the proposed changes.
More than 6,500 citizenship applications approved in 2023
Five years ago, Croatia simplified the path to citizenship for people of Croatian descent. Since then, applications - particularly from South America - have surged, with over 6,500 processed in 2023 alone. Currently, one million Croats with citizenship live abroad, a third of the 3.2 million-strong Croatian diaspora.
Milas dismissed claims that obtaining citizenship is primarily for easier access to wealthier EU countries, noting a strong interest in learning Croatian. Over 20,000 people are now enrolled in online courses, and many scholarship recipients remain in Croatia, starting families and careers.
To encourage returns, the government has introduced a five-year income tax exemption for returning Croats and their descendants who lived abroad for at least two years. Milas believes security in Croatia is also a key factor for returnees.
Changing immigration trends and educational opportunities
While Croatian immigrants traditionally come from South America, the COVID-19 pandemic saw increased arrivals from Australia, Canada, and the U.S., driven by Croatia’s effective crisis management. Milas stressed the importance of interdepartmental cooperation in shaping demographic and immigration policies.
Since 2018, a special university enrolment quota has been available for students from the diaspora and Croatian national minorities in 12 European countries. Participation has grown to over 200 students, and there are plans to expand this to private universities and offer more English-language programmes. Milas argued that this approach could encourage more young Croats to settle in Croatia long-term.
New government initiatives for the diaspora
The government’s Advisory Council for Croats Abroad will expand from 55 to 65 members, with representatives from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatian national minorities, and the diaspora. A new Youth Advisory Council will also be established to amplify young Croats' voices.
Parliament is expected to declare a Croatian Diaspora Week, replacing the existing but largely unnoticed Diaspora Day. This initiative would provide a platform for Croats abroad to showcase their heritage and strengthen ties with Croatia.
Government funding for diaspora projects has significantly increased, rising from €5-6 million nine years ago to €36 million today, with over €400 million allocated since 2016.
Challenges for Croats in Serbia
Milas acknowledged ongoing difficulties for Croats in Serbia, including discrimination and hate speech, but stressed that Croatia is supporting them more strongly than ever. He also criticised the lack of implementation of agreements ensuring Croatian representation in Serbian government institutions, contrasting this with the rights enjoyed by the Serbian minority in Croatia.