Seasonal Jobs: Serbs Chasing Gold by the Sea, But Who’s Really Winning?
Summer is here, and hundreds of thousands of Serbs aren’t just planning to lounge around. Nope, our people are ready to earn – and that means seasonal jobs by the sea! But is it really a golden opportunity or just another headache for workers? Let’s dive in.
Where’s the demand for workers?
The hottest jobs are in hospitality and agriculture. Bačka Palanka, along with the whole Vojvodina region, has had a long-standing trend of agricultural employment. While southern and western Serbia focus more on raspberry picking, here it’s mostly about weeding and soil cultivation. This year, though, demand is a bit lower than in previous years.
Popular destinations for seasonal workers are the Croatian coast and Greece, especially Halkidiki. Our people mostly choose Greece, which is a new trend for this area.
Work permits: Who’s calling the shots?
Getting work permits isn’t a walk in the park. Croatia has a simplified system for seasonal workers from Serbia, with permits issued in about ten days. Greece is trickier – the employer sends an invitation letter to the Greek embassy in Belgrade, and the worker must show up with a pile of documents, some needing apostille certification. The process takes about one to two weeks.
There are also so-called vouchers, which have been popular for years as a kind of shortcut.
Is seasonal work really a good deal?
Social media is buzzing with debates on whether seasonal jobs are still worth it. Some say it was better before, others argue the line between hospitality and business is getting thinner. Are restaurants and vineyards really paying what they should, or is it all smoke and mirrors?
Importing workers and what it means for us
Interestingly, Croatia and Greece are increasingly importing labor, meaning our people aren’t the only ones fighting for seasonal jobs. This can affect wages and working conditions.
Conclusion: Paradise or hell for workers?
Seasonal jobs offer a chance for extra cash but come with problems. The work permit process, lower demand in agriculture, and competition from foreign workers all cast a shadow on the summer dream.
If you’ve worked seasonal jobs or plan to, share your story! Is it really a golden opportunity or just another tough gig? Let the debate begin!
Sources: Kurir, Blic, RTV
