GZS: Amendments to the Aliens Act would make Slovenia less attractive for foreign workers

On August 21, 2026, proposed amendments to Slovenia’s Foreign Workers Act were revealed to have the potential to make the country less attractive to foreign workers, according to reports from the Economic Council and the Labor Advisory Board. The changes, which were prepared by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, include extending the period required for foreign workers to reunite with their families from one year to three years and increasing the minimum income threshold needed for family members to reside in Slovenia. Additionally, the new rules would raise the language proficiency level required for family reunification and permanent residency. The proposed law has drawn criticism from industry experts who argue that these measures could push the so-called Balkan labor market away from Slovenia and toward more favorable destinations such as Austria and Germany. Goran Lukić, a representative of the labor advisory board, stated that the legislation appears tailored to benefit agencies from India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, while making it harder for workers from the Balkans to settle permanently in Slovenia. He explained that workers from the Balkans often arrive in Slovenia with debts ranging from €6,000 to €14,000, and that these agencies profit significantly from their recruitment. As a result, he warned that the new rules might drive Balkan workers to other countries where they can avoid the financial burden of settling in Slovenia. According to Mitja Gorenšček, chief executive officer of the Slovenian Chamber of Commerce, the changes could negatively impact the country’s ability to attract skilled foreign workers. He noted that Slovenia has been striving to improve its position on the global labor market but currently ranks near the bottom in terms of attractiveness for foreign talent. “This measure will likely reduce interest in employment here,” Gorenšček added, emphasizing that the new regulations could further deter potential candidates. The amendments also require foreign workers to demonstrate a higher level of proficiency in the Slovenian language before being eligible for family reunification or permanent residency. This requirement is intended to ensure better integration into society, but critics argue that it could create additional barriers for non-Slavic speakers, particularly those from regions where Slovenian is not widely spoken. Under the current system, foreign workers can apply for family reunification after one year of legal residence. The proposed change would extend this waiting period to three years, effectively delaying the process for many workers. At the same time, the minimum monthly income required for family members to remain in Slovenia would increase, potentially limiting access to long-term residency for lower-income workers. Lukić emphasized that the new rules would create a “hunt” for foreign workers, suggesting that employers might face difficulties in retaining talent due to the stricter conditions. He pointed out that the current system allows for quicker family reunification, which is a key incentive for many migrant workers. With the new requirements, however, some workers may find it too difficult to meet the criteria, leading them to seek opportunities elsewhere. The draft amendment to the Foreign Workers Act will undergo public debate until Wednesday, giving stakeholders an opportunity to provide feedback before the final decision is made. While the government has defended the changes as necessary for improving integration and reducing exploitation, critics warn that the policy risks alienating a crucial workforce and undermining Slovenia’s efforts to strengthen its economy through immigration.