A new study by Croatia’s Institute for Migration Research reveals a deepening scepticism among Croatian citizens toward the growing presence of foreign workers. Conducted in early November in cooperation with the agency Medianet, the survey questioned a nationally representative sample of 1,000 adults via telephone interviews.

The findings indicate that only 3 percent of respondents feel fully or partly satisfied with foreign workers in the country. The remaining 97 percent express dissatisfaction or neutrality—a striking signal of public unease within a labour market increasingly reliant on imported workforce.

Rising Dissatisfaction Compared With Last Year

The latest results show a measurable increase in negative attitudes.

• 20.63% declared themselves fully dissatisfied—up from 16.5% last year.
• Another 42.16% reported being partly dissatisfied.
• 34.13% described their position as neutral.

Only a very small minority expressed any approval:

• 2.78% partly satisfied
• 0.30% fully satisfied

Researchers note that public opinion has shifted from mixed concerns last year to a stronger emphasis on security and employment-related anxieties.

Key Public Concerns: Crime, Jobs, Wages

Security remains the most powerful driver of dissatisfaction.

• 69.8% of dissatisfied respondents fear an increase in crime tied to foreign workers.

Economic concerns now feature more prominently than in the previous wave of the study:

• 51.7% believe foreign workers reduce job opportunities for Croatian citizens.
• 47.7% fear the impact on wages and working standards.
• 48.8% cite cultural differences, although this is a less intense concern than last year.

Minority Sees Benefits in Cultural and Economic Terms

Among the small group that views foreign workers positively, cultural enrichment stands out:

• 87.1% see foreign workers as enhancing cultural exchange and social life.

Other perceived benefits include:

• Reduced unemployment (58.1%)
• Increased economic productivity (48.4%)
• Improved availability of certain services (19.4%)

Strong Social Distance: Personal Acceptance Remains Low

For the first time, the survey measured “social distance” toward foreign workers—and uncovered substantial barriers to social integration.

Respondents were overwhelmingly unwilling to accept close personal relationships:

• Almost none would accept a foreign worker as a family member.
• 2.4% would accept one as a friend.
• 5.7% as neighbours.
• Around 10% as workplace colleagues.

Researchers note that workplace interactions appear more tolerable, while deeper social ties remain decisively rejected.

Demographic Patterns: Differences Small but Notable

While attitudes only slightly vary by gender, age, or education, some trends emerge:

• Younger respondents show somewhat more neutral or mildly positive views.
• Older respondents emphasize security concerns more strongly.
• The unemployed express the harshest criticism, especially regarding job competition and wage pressures.
• Pensioners more often cite safety fears.

Researchers Warn Integration Will Be a Major Challenge

Lead researcher Ivan Balabanić highlighted that the structure of public concerns has shifted substantially.

“Last year dissatisfaction centred on fears of crime and cultural diversity. This year citizens are more focused on security, job availability, and wage levels,” he said.

Balabanić also underscored the reluctance of Croatians to build personal ties with foreign workers: “They are viewed primarily as temporary labour rather than potential fellow citizens.”

Institute director Marina Perić Kaselj stressed the importance of systematic, ongoing research to shape effective migration policy.

“Only through consistent data collection and analysis can public debate rely on evidence rather than assumptions,” she said, adding that regular monitoring is essential for sound migration management and long-term policymaking.