As of late June, the Institute of Employment (ZZZ) reported 34,720 individuals unemployed, resulting in a registered unemployment rate of 11.56 percent.

During a session led by Aleksandar Šipčić, the ZZZ Board of Directors adopted a report for the first half of the year, revealing notable improvements in Montenegro’s labor market.

“The recent decrease in the number of unemployed individuals by 5,590, or 13.87 percent, alongside a 2.19 percentage point drop from the same period last year, reflects positive trends in the labor market and a more favorable economic climate,” the Board concluded.

In the first half of the year, 8,570 new cases of unemployment were registered, marking a 21.4 percent decline compared to the previous year.

“Nonetheless, challenges remain, particularly concerning long-term unemployment, with regional discrepancies noted in units such as Zeta, Tuzi, and Cetinje, as well as Rožaje and Petnjica. The Bijelo Polje region also faces similar issues, while the lowest unemployment rates were observed in Herceg Novi, Kotor, and Tivat.

The report highlighted that employers reported 14,100 job vacancies, an 18.83 percent decrease from last year. The largest number of vacancies was found in accommodation, food services, education, and retail sectors.

“In the first half of the year, 6,530 unemployed individuals found jobs, with about half of these positions being seasonal. This underscores the need for further support measures and initiatives to stimulate employment,” stated the report.

The employment of foreign workers continues to play a vital role in the labor market, particularly in accommodation and food services, construction, and other service sectors. In the first six months, 21,000 permits were issued for temporary residence and work of foreign nationals, mainly from Turkey, Russia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Albania.

During the first half of the year, the Institute implemented five employment policy programs, amounting to 2.6 million euros, aimed at enhancing employability and securing jobs for 1,280 unemployed individuals.

“The Institute will persist in executing program activities in the upcoming period to support unemployed individuals and further reduce unemployment,” the statement concluded.