The government decided at its meeting on Thursday that 65,100 work permits may be issued to foreign workers, of which 15,000 permits have already been renewed. Most of the permits will be issued for construction, tourism and hospitality, and transport.
The HUT believes that the government decision will help overcome the problem of labour shortages in the next season.
HUT director Veljko Ostojic applauded the move, saying that it came considerably earlier than last year and that it would enable the tourism sector to make timely preparations for the next season.
He said that the only long-term solution to the problem of labour shortages in the tourism sector was to ensure higher wages, which in turn required improving the overall business environment.