Introduction of New Rules for Seasonal Workers in Montenegro
The Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Dialogue of Montenegro
announcedthe introduction of a new mechanism for employing seasonal workers starting May 1, 2025. According to the draft law on simplified employment for seasonal and temporary jobs, the state will take on the obligation to pay taxes and contributions for permanent seasonal workers, and will also provide subsidies to employers.
This move is aimed at increasing employment
of the 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 under public consultation, the following key principles will be established:
- State coverage of taxes and social contributionsfor permanent seasonal workers.
- Provision of subsidies to employerswho employ seasonal staff for a longer period.
- Electronic worker registrationto simplify employment and administration.
- Creation of a unified databasefor monitoring labour relations in seasonal industries.
- Flexible employment conditionsfor temporary and seasonal workers.
The Ministry of Labour stated that the goal of these measures is not only to support business, but also to ensure social guarantees for seasonal workers, who previously faced unstable working conditions.
Categories of workers covered by the new rules
The new law covers several types of seasonal and temporary workers:
