North Macedonia, like many countries, regulates the employment of foreign nationals to ensure a balanced and efficient labor market. For 2024, the Government of North Macedonia has set a clear framework for the issuance of work permits for foreign nationals. Understanding this framework is essential for businesses looking to hire foreign workers and for individuals seeking employment in North Macedonia.

On January 16, 2024, the Government of North Macedonia established a quota for work permits for foreign nationals, as detailed in the official gazette “Службен весник на РСМ, бр. 13 од 22.1.2024 година.” This decision is based on Article 4, paragraph 1 of the Law on Employment and Work of Foreigners. The quota system aims to manage and control the number of foreign workers in the country effectively.

Breakdown of the 2024 Work Permit Quota

The total quota for 2024 is set at 20,000 work engagements. This quota is divided into several categories:

1. General Employment: The largest portion of the quota, 19,000 work engagements, is allocated for general employment of foreign nationals in North Macedonia.
2. Assigned Foreign Workers: 600 engagements are reserved for foreign workers who are assigned to North Macedonia by their employers.
3. Seasonal Work: 200 engagements are designated for seasonal work, catering to industries that require temporary labor during peak periods.
4. Individual Services: Another 200 engagements are allocated for foreign nationals providing individual services.

This quota system not only regulates the total number of work permits but also ensures that the distribution meets the varying needs of different sectors within the country.

Issuance and Monitoring of Work Permits

The Employment Agency of the Republic of North Macedonia is responsible for issuing work permits and monitoring their use. The agency ensures that the number of active work permits does not exceed the set quota. The distribution of permits is carefully managed to maintain a balance between new permits and the renewal of existing ones.

For new work permits, a specific sub-quota of 11,000 engagements is reserved. This includes 10,500 positive opinions for first-time employment and 500 actual work permits. For renewals, the quota is set at 8,000 engagements, with 7,500 positive opinions for continued employment and 500 work permits for renewals.

The Ministry of Labor and Social Policy oversees the utilization of these quotas and the overall condition of the labor market. Should there be any significant changes in the labor market, the government, upon the ministry’s recommendation, may take appropriate measures to adjust the quotas.

Work Permit Procedure

For those unfamiliar with the work permit procedure in North Macedonia, the process typically involves the employer submitting a request to the Employment Agency. This request includes necessary documentation proving the need for a foreign worker and the qualifications of the applicant. The agency reviews the application in the context of the current quota and the labor market needs before issuing a permit. The process ensures that the employment of foreign nationals aligns with national economic goals and labor market conditions.

The decision to set a work permit quota for 2024 underscores North Macedonia’s commitment to regulating its labor market efficiently. By managing the number of foreign workers through a structured quota system, the country aims to balance economic needs with employment opportunities for its citizens. For businesses and foreign workers alike, understanding and navigating this system is crucial for compliance and successful employment engagement in North Macedonia.