The ministry expects to conclude contracts with lawyers by the end of this month on offering free legal advice which Roma will be able to use as of May.
Free legal aid will cover proceedings regarding the granting and establishment of Croatian citizenship, the approval of temporary or permanent stay, the recognition of marital status and child birth, correction of personal data in official documents as well as arrival, migrations and employment of foreigners.
Funds for this purpose have been earmarked in this year's budget of the Justice Ministry.
According to the 2001 census, there are some 9,500 Roma in Croatia, but the Council of Europe puts their figure between 30,000 and 40,000.