Bosnia and Herzegovina Revokes Work Visas for 39 Pakistani Nationals

Authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina have revoked the work visas of 39 Pakistani nationals, while the work visas of 14 Bangladeshi citizens are still under review.

The Service for Foreigners’ Affairs (SFA) of Bosnia and Herzegovina announced that these individuals used their work permits, which were issued after they entered the country on work visas, to travel to Croatia and then enter other European Union countries, according to Schengen.News.

Bosnian authorities have issued a warning that migrants entering the country on work visas and then irregularly traveling to Croatia and other EU countries will have their permits revoked.

In an effort to address labor shortages, Bosnia and Herzegovina has welcomed a growing number of migrants from various countries. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of nationals from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Nepal obtaining work permits in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Although many of these migrants are employed, some leave Bosnia and Herzegovina for Croatia without authorization and then continue to other EU member states.

Police agencies have reported that irregular migrants often pay large sums to intermediaries or employers to obtain work permits and visas for legal entry into Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Service for Foreigners’ Affairs has urged employers to allow entry only to foreign nationals who come through authorized agencies. Employers who do not comply may be required to cover the costs of housing migrants in immigration centers and their deportation from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

To legally work in Bosnia and Herzegovina, foreign nationals must obtain a work permit issued by the Employment Service offices after entering the country on valid visas. Employers are responsible for submitting work permit applications on behalf of international workers. If approved, the permits are valid for one year and can be renewed.

According to a report from HRT, Bosnia and Herzegovina issued 3,230 work permits in the first six months of this year, reflecting a year-on-year increase. Figures from the UNIDAD Employment Agency show that in the first 11 months of 2023, around 3,500 work permits were granted to foreigners. This number does not include foreign workers who are allowed to stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina without work permits in certain cases.

Have you read?
Countries: Powerful Passports.
Countries: Richest.
Countries: Poorest.
Countries: Happiest.
Countries: Life Expectancy.