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The Slovenian government is working on amendments to the Slovenian Aliens Act, in a bid to make the country more alluring for foreign workers, as one of the main measures to tackle a shortage of workers that has hit the country, like the rest of the European Union.
Amongst others, the country is planning to remove several administrative procedures which it has deemed unnecessary, and to offer free Slovenian language courses to interested foreigners to move to Slovenia.
“The task of this government is to substantially ease procedures to obtain work permits in Slovenia, in particular for those who are already here, to make it easier for them to decide to stay here,” the country’s Prime Minister Robert Golob said commenting on the proposed changes.
Whereas in a press release issued on Monday, Tuesday, February 14, the government has pointed out that the planned changes to the Aliens Act will also make possible quicker procedures for issuing residence permits and registration certificates.
“We are aware of the need for foreign labor in Slovenia,” the government points out, further adding that the draft law with the changes has been sent to the National Assembly for review under an urgent procedure.
Regarding the offering of free language courses for foreigners, the government recalls that on April 27 this year, after a two-year transitional period, level A1 language knowledge level will become mandatory for those extending their family reunification temporary residence permits. On the other hand, those applying for a permanent residence permit will have to prove they have an A2 level Slovenian language knowledge.
This means that family members of foreigners living in Slovenia, as well as holders of a residence permit in Slovenia, will have to provide a certificate that proves that they have passed a basic level Slovenian language exam at an authorised institution in Slovenia when submitting an application to extend their residence in the country.
“The law stipulates the condition of the basic level of language knowledge. This is the level at which a foreigner simply communicates in everyday situations related to the realization of concrete needs,” the government notes in its press release.
It also highlights that Slovenian authorities consider that proper knowledge of the Slovenian language is one of the main requirements for the successful integration of an individual into society, and in order to make learning the Slovenian language easier, the government is planning to offer free courses through the new changes.
Other changes also include:
- Issuing residence permits and extensions by mail
- Storing fingerprints for up to five years so that the same can be used when permits are extended
- Enabling foreigners with expired temporary protection status to submit an application for a temporary residence permit in eight days
- Scrapping the requirement to submit a written confirmation by the administrative unit when changing employers
- Facilitate procedures for hiring foreigners in healthcare and social services to tackle the shortage of workers in these fields
Another change that the government wants to make is reducing the waiting time for asylum seekers before they are able to enter the labour market from nine to only three months.
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