Skopje: "Open Balkan" opens borders for workers from North Macedonia, Serbia, and Albania

The Government of the Republic of North Macedonia welcomed the adoption of the Law on Confirmation of the Agreement on Conditions for Free Access to the Labor Market in the Western Balkans and the Law on Confirmation of the Agreement on Interconnection of Schemes for the Electronic Identification of the Citizens of the Western Balkans at yesterday's parliamentary session.

"With the ratification of these agreements, related to the 'Open Balkan' initiative, it finally becomes possible for citizens of North Macedonia, Serbia, and Albania to work in any of the three countries without obtaining work permits, without any barriers, without registration and waiting, without administrative costs," it is said in the Government.

In addition, they say, agreements on the recognition of diplomas and professional qualifications will also provide ease.

"The huge advantages of these agreements are that barriers to employment are removed, and citizens will be able to work in all countries with a unique identification number and without any additional procedures. Citizens will be able to get an 'Open Balkan' identification number on their national e-Government portal or their national electronic identification portal. The unique identification number is an electronic identification that enables access to electronic services in the country where the person received the number," the Government explains.

Free access to the labor market is achieved by obtaining the confirmation of the 'Open Balkan' identification number because it becomes the basis for obtaining a unique identification number for a foreigner, so there are no longer procedures for issuing residence permits.

According to the Government, the ratification of the agreement strengthens competitiveness in the region because companies will be able to count on the workforce of three countries without hindrance, which will affect the competitiveness of the labor market and the growth of wages.

"With this, we support the companies and chambers of commerce from the three countries, which were expecting a quick implementation of this measure that liberalizes the regional labor market," the government says.

We are talking about huge help and support for companies that have their representative offices in North Macedonia, Serbia, and Albania to more easily open new jobs and hire workers, and provide them with good wages and good working conditions.