Veći broj doseljenih nego odseljenih hrvatskih državljana prvi put od 2008. Pokos: Napokon imamo dosta razloga za zadovoljstvo

For the first time since 2008, more Croatian citizens have returned to Croatia than have left the country, according to data released by the State Statistics Office. This marks a notable shift in migration patterns, with over 3,500 more Croats returning home compared to those who left during the previous year. The change has been noted by demographer Nenad Pokos, who highlighted this reversal as a rare occurrence in recent decades. The trend reflects broader economic and social changes both within Croatia and among its diaspora communities. Over the past few years, many Croatian nationals living abroad, particularly in Germany, the country with the largest Croatian expatriate population, have begun to return. According to Pokos, this movement is influenced by several factors, including economic instability in Germany, rising living costs, and challenges faced by expatriates such as discrimination in the workplace and difficulties in recognizing qualifications. Many have found themselves working in lower-paying positions due to these obstacles. In contrast, the economic situation in Croatia has improved, leading some citizens to reconsider their decision to remain abroad. Rising wages and greater job security have made staying in Croatia more appealing for certain groups. As a result, the balance between immigration and emigration has shifted, creating a new dynamic in Croatia’s demographic landscape. The new law on foreigners, introduced last year, has also played a role in shaping migration trends. The legislation includes stricter rules on employing foreign workers and requires basic knowledge of the Croatian language. These measures have contributed to a decline in the number of foreign laborers, especially in sectors such as construction, which previously relied heavily on migrant workers from countries like India and Bangladesh. The reduction in construction activity following the completion of post-earthquake rebuilding efforts further impacted the availability of jobs for foreign workers. Despite these changes, the exact demographics of those returning remain unclear. The State Statistics Office does not publish detailed information on the age, education level, or other characteristics of returning citizens. However, preliminary data suggest that older individuals make up a larger proportion of the returning population. While younger people continue to migrate, the overall trend indicates a growing presence of retirees and long-term residents returning to Croatia. Migration patterns remain difficult to predict, as demonstrated by the unexpected influx of Ukrainian refugees and large-scale employment of workers from Nepal, the Philippines, and other countries after Croatia joined the European Union. Pokos emphasized that while the current trend suggests a possible slowdown in outward migration, future developments will depend on evolving economic conditions and political stability. He also called attention to the importance of engaging with descendants of Croatian expatriates living in North and South America and Australia. Although the numbers of returns from these regions remain relatively low, with around 500 people returning from Latin America annually and just 222 from the United States and approximately 100 from Australia, Pokos believes that targeted efforts could encourage more returns. He suggested that financial incentives and improved opportunities would be necessary to attract these potential migrants back to Croatia.