ZAGREB, May 22 (Hina) - The new law on aliens proposes the separation of the visa regime from residence and work permits, Deputy Interior Minister Josip Vresk said in the parliament on Thursday introducing the government-sponsored
final text of the said bill.
ZAGREB, May 22 (Hina) - The new law on aliens proposes the
separation of the visa regime from residence and work permits,
Deputy Interior Minister Josip Vresk said in the parliament on
Thursday introducing the government-sponsored final text of the
said bill. #L#
Vresk reminded MPs that with the signing of the Stabilisation and
Association Agreement (SAA) with the EU, Croatia had assumed the
obligation to adjust its legislation to EU laws on foreign
nationals.
The new bill envisages three categories of residence for
foreigners: the 90-day sojourn (without visas, with a visa and a
border pass), temporary residence with a specific purpose such as
employment, hospital treatment, family reunion, education at
tertiary institutions etc., including the possibility of extended
stay, and permanent residence, which is granted to a foreigner who
has stayed in the country for five years on the basis of temporary
residence or has been married for three years to a Croatian national
or a foreigner who has already been granted permanent residence in
the country.
The business permit would be issued to a foreigner who has a
business, shop or company registered in Croatia, is a registered
free lancer or works in Croatia on behalf of a company whose main
offices are located abroad.
The business permit will be valid under the same terms as the work
permit or the permit for temporary residence.
The bill envisages an annual quota for work permits, and the quota
should be determined by the government by 31 October every year.
The work permit will be given to foreign employees on the basis of
the application submitted by their employers and issued by the
competent police authorities.
The new bill also regulates the problem of illegal migrations and
asylum.
The authorities would not be allowed to forcibly transfer a
foreigner to a country where his or her life and freedom is at risk
due to his or her race, religion or ethnic origin. However, this
would not be applied to a foreigner who is suspected on justified
grounds of posing a threat to the public order or national security,
or is convicted of a grave crime based on a final ruling.
A foreigner who is arrested with the aim of being deported can be
held in a police station for no longer than 12 hours.
The freedom of movement can be restricted for a foreigner whose
deportation is not immediately possible or whose identity has not
been established. The restriction would be imposed by placing the
foreigner in a reception centre for foreigners, where he or she can
stay no longer than 90 days.
According to the interior ministry, 5.1 million kuna (68 thousand
euros) should be ensured from the state budget for the enforcement
of the new bill.
(hina) ms sb