ZAGREB, June 4 (Hina) - A bill on foreigners envisaging three status categories should be considered by the government soon.
ZAGREB, June 4 (Hina) - A bill on foreigners envisaging three status
categories should be considered by the government soon. #L#
The first category refers to stays up to 90 days long (without a
visa, with a visa, or with a border pass). The second category
refers to temporary residence, and the third to permanent
residence.
Temporary residence would be granted foreigners who wish to stay in
Croatia for a defined period of time, with a defined purpose, e.g.
due to work commitments, medical treatment or education. This form
of residence would be subject to extension.
Permanent residence would be granted foreigners who have five years
of temporary residence in Croatia or who have been married for two
years to a Croatian citizen or a foreigner with permanent
residence.
Business permits would be issued to foreigners with a registered
business, free-lance occupation or their own company, and
foreigners who offer services on behalf of a company that is located
outside Croatia. The permit would be used as a work and temporary
residence permit.
Like many other European countries, Croatia would introduce an
annual quota of work permits. This quota would be determined by the
government by October 31 of the current year for the following
year.
Work permits would be issued by competent police stations based on
applications submitted by employers.
The Interior Ministry would be in charge of issuing work permits
rather than the Employment Bureau.
Budget funds will be required so that the Interior Ministry can
ensure technical and personnel support for the new tasks.
It is estimated that around 45 staff would have to be employed to
handle these duties. Their salaries, the registration of foreign
citizens, and the printing of new application forms will require an
amount of over half a million dollars.
Foreigner status in Croatia is currently regulated by laws on the
movement and residence of foreigners and their employment.
As Croatia has gained the status of a potential candidate for
European Union membership, it is obliged to adapt existing laws to
the Union's standards.
(hina) sp sb rml