Introduction of new rules for seasonal workers in Montenegro
Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Dialogue of Montenegro announced on the introduction of a new mechanism for the employment of seasonal workers from May 1, 2025. According to the draft law on simplified employment in seasonal and temporary jobs, the state will assume obligations to pay taxes and contributions for permanent seasonal workers, and will also provide subsidies to employers.
The move is aimed at increasing employment local population, combating the shadow economy and creating a more flexible system of labour relations, especially in key sectors such as tourism, agriculture and transport.
Main provisions of the new law
According to the draft law, which is currently at the public discussion stage, the following key principles will be established:
- State coverage of taxes and social contributions for permanent seasonal workers.
- Providing subsidies to employers, which employ seasonal workers for a long term.
- Electronic registration of employees to simplify employment and administration.
- Formation of a unified database to monitor labor relations in seasonal industries.
- Flexible employment conditions for temporary and seasonal workers.
The Labor Ministry said the measures were intended not only to support businesses but also to provide social security for seasonal workers who had previously faced precarious working conditions.
Categories of workers covered by the new rules
The new law covers several types of seasonal and temporary workers:
- Seasonal workers – are employed by the employer for a period of up to 9 months during one season.
- Permanent seasonal workers – are hired for a period of 6 to 9 months during the season, with the obligation to extend the contract for the following season.
- Temporary workers – may be hired for up to 90 days during a calendar year.
Categories of citizens eligible to work under this scheme:
- Unemployed persons registered with the Employment Agency.
- Retired.
- Students and pupils over 15 years of age.
- Foreigners with a temporary or permanent residence permit in Montenegro.
Benefits of the new law
- Reduction of informal employment: new rules will help bring workers out of the shadows.
- Incentives for employers: financial support for businesses will reduce the cost of hiring employees.
- Simplified administrative procedure: employers will be able to register employees through an online system.
- Social protection of workers: Seasonal employees will have access to pension and health benefits.
Implementation of the law and support for business
The Ministry of Labor plans to launch a new information portal through which employers will be able to register workers. This portal will be integrated with the Tax Service, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Employment Agency for automatic data exchange.
In addition, employers who violate the terms of employment will be required to return the subsidies received. In particular, if a seasonal worker is dismissed before the end of the contract, the employer will lose the right to financial support.
Conclusion
The introduction of new rules for workers in Montenegro is an important step in the development of the labor market. These measures will help create a more transparent and flexible employment system, which is especially important for the tourism industry and other sectors of the economy. State support in the form of tax coverage and social payments will not only reduce the burden on businesses, but also increase the level of social protection for workers. The final version of the law is expected in the coming months, and the government intends to launch the reform by the beginning of the 2025 tourist season.
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