Emerging Diversifications of Labor Migration to Slovenia: From the Western Balkans to Asia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3986/dd/2026.2.7Keywords:
labor market shortages, labor migration, Slovenia, Western Balkans, AsiaAbstract
Labor migration has long shaped Slovenia’s labor market, through historically established arrivals from the former Yugoslav region, often referred to as part of the Western Balkans. Persisting labor market shortages—driven by demographic decline, low unemployment, and sectoral imbalances—have recently intensified competition for workers across the EU. As inflows from EU states remain limited, Slovenia has diversified its recruitment, with rising migration from Asia. It has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Philippines on cooperation in labor relations and employment. The article examines policy developments and labor-market data on foreign workers from 2010 to 2024, evaluating the interplay between labor shortages, employer demand, and the governance of labor migration.
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