Author
Inclusion policy in Croatia
Inclusion policy at the national level
The Migration and Asylum Management Plan of the Republic of Croatia for the Period up to 2030,[1] and the accompanying Implementation Action Plan for the Period until 2027[2] were adopted in October 2025.[3]
The main objectives of the Migration and Asylum Management Plan are to: ensure an efficient and fair system of international protection and reception by increasing human resources and aligning the national legislative framework with EU standards; improve the identification of vulnerable groups; accelerate procedures for granting international protection; strengthen the integration system for persons granted international protection; ensure sustainable migration management and prevent irregular movements through effective external border monitoring and cooperation with neighbouring third countries to prevent illegal migration; strengthen the return system for persons who do not have the right to reside in the Republic of Croatia; and promote legal and safe migration pathways and proactively involve Croatia in EU solidarity mechanisms.
The Migration and Asylum Management Plan is implemented through an Action Plan. This first Action Plan covers the period until 2027 and includes priority measures, while the remaining activities will be addressed in the next Action Plan (2028–2030). The Action Plan contains a total of 36 measures, of which 26 are planned to be implemented under the 2027 Action Plan, and 10 in the subsequent Action Plan. The MoI is the main body responsible for implementing most activities under the Action Plan, while other responsible institutions include: the Ministry of Justice, Administration and Digital Transformation; the Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy; the Ministry of Health; the Ministry of Spatial Planning, Construction and State Property; and the Croatian Employment Service.
In February 2025, the Action Plan for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights for 2025[4] and the Action Plan for Combating Discrimination for 2025[5] were adopted.[6] The Action Plan for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights for 2025 foresees the educational inclusion of children seeking international protection and the professionalization and trainings for officials of the Service for International Protection and the Service for the Reception and Accommodation of Applicants for International Protection, as well as for police officers in the field of human rights protection. The Action Plan for Combating Discrimination for 2025 focuses, among others, on the economic integration of protected persons by specifically including applicants for international protection and persons under international protection in training programs for the business sector on how to eliminate prejudices and prevent discrimination in the workplace.
Croatia currently does not have a valid migration policy, the most important national strategic document for migration management. In the period up to 2015, Croatia adopted two migration policies, one for the period 2007-2008, and the subsequent one for the period 2013-2015.
The previous Action plan for the integration of beneficiaries of international protection, which covered the period from 2017-2019 expired at the end of 2019. By the end of 2025, the new Action Plan was still not adopted.
The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, in its Concluding observations on the combined ninth to fourteenth periodic reports of Croatia from October 2023, recommended Croatia to take measures, including developing and implementing a policy framework, to enhance the full participation and integration of migrants, applicants for international protection and refugees into society, including by providing language training, vocational training and employment opportunities.[7] The European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) In its 6th report on Croatia, which was published in June 2025, recommends as a matter of priority that authorities develop and adopt a comprehensive national strategy or action plan for the integration and inclusion of beneficiaries of international protection and other groups of migrants.[8] However, during 2025, Croatia has not developed a migration policy or a comprehensive integration policy.
In accordance with the LITP, the Office for Human Rights and the Rights of National Minorities (OHRRNM) of the Government of the Republic of Croatia coordinates the work of all Ministries, non-governmental organisations and other bodies that participate in the process of inclusion in society of asylees or foreigners under subsidiary protection within the framework of the Permanent Commission for the Implementation of the Integration of Foreigners into Croatian Society and the associated Working Group that prepares proposals of national strategic documents in this area.[9] The Permanent Commission for Integration was established in 2013, and it has been expanded several times since then. The tasks of the Permanent Commission for Integration include, among other things, monitoring and coordination of the implementation of regulations, programs, strategies and plans in the field of integration of asylees or foreigners under subsidiary protection.
At the session held on 19 December 2022, the Permanent Commission unanimously adopted the Protocol on Procedures for the Integration of Persons Granted International Protection.[10] The Protocol was prepared in a participatory process and through cooperation with representatives of the academia, local self-government units and competent departmental bodies. The Working Group for the preparation of the Protocol on Procedures for the Integration of Persons Granted International Protection, consisted of representatives of the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Labour, the Pension System, Family and Social Policy, the Ministry of Science and Education, the Ministry of Health, the Central State Office for reconstruction and housing, the Croatian Employment Service, the City of Zagreb, City of Karlovac and City of Varaždin.[11]
In 2024, OHRRNM started with the implementation of the project SINERGY – „Ensuring a synergistic approach to the integration of citizens of third countries”, co-financed by the AMIF.[12]
In 2025, the OHRRNM continued implementing activities under the SINERGY project. One of the key activities within the project is the work of the Advisory Group of Third-Country Nationals and Persons of Migrant Background. The objective of establishing the Advisory Group is to involve also beneficiaries of international and temporary protection in the processes of designing and monitoring public policies. In the course of 2025, three meetings of the Advisory Group were held, during which members actively participated in discussions. In September 2025, two meetings were organised on the topic of healthcare provision for third-country nationals in the Republic of Croatia. In addition to members of the Advisory Group and representatives of the OHRRNM, participants included representatives of the Croatian Institute of Public Health, the University Hospital for Infectious Diseases “Dr. Fran Mihaljević”, the Croatian Health Insurance Fund, and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Croatia. The third meeting of the Advisory Group was held in November 2025. Alongside members of the Advisory Group and representatives of the OHRRNM, a representative of the Office of the Ombudswoman also participated. The meeting focused on human rights and equality in the Republic of Croatia. Members of the Advisory Group were informed about the role and competences of the Ombudswoman institution, as well as the possibilities and procedures for lodging complaints with that institution.
Furthermore, at the beginning of 2025, cooperation agreements were concluded with four cities: Karlovac, Osijek, Rijeka and Varaždin to establish local coordination mechanisms for the integration of third-country nationals. The agreements are aimed at strengthening the capacities of local self-government units for coordinated multi-level action in the field of the protection and promotion of the rights of third-country nationals. In December 2025, contracts were concluded with external experts in order to provide additional professional support to the aforementioned cities. The experts’ activities include mapping relevant local stakeholders, analysing the existing situation, preparing and delivering training sessions and workshops, and facilitating coordination meetings with the aim of establishing functional local integration mechanisms.
Within the framework of the SINERGY project, cooperation with civil society organisations and international organisations continued, and during 2025 two meetings were held with representatives of these organisations. In November 2025, within the SINERGY project, a Centralised Electronic Database of Interpreters was developed for the languages most commonly used by persons granted international protection and other third-country nationals. The database is intended for public administration bodies, units of local and regional self-government, and other institutions providing services to these users. The objective of establishing the database is to improve the accessibility of interpretation services, thereby facilitating the exercise of rights across various areas of integration. Throughout 2025, the database was in a testing phase, with full implementation scheduled for 2026.[13]
The CRC conducted a series of activities focused on the integration of persons under international protection. As part of these efforts, a workshop was held in Kutina on the integration of persons under international and temporary protection, intended for professionals providing support at the local level. Furthermore, in 2025, the CRC continued to provide professional support to the employees of the City of Zagreb working at the One Stop Shop/Welcome Centre. During the first six months, the CRC was present three times a week, and until the end of the year, once a week. In cooperation with the Education and Teacher Training Agency, three trainings were also held for primary and secondary school staff on the topic of ‘Migration and Integration of Persons Under International Protection and Refugee Children, and the Prevention of Human Trafficking‘ Training courses are mainly held online so that participation is possible for staff from all over Croatia.[14]
Inclusion policy at the local level
At the local level , the first Action Plan of the City of Zagreb for the Integration of Applicants for and Beneficiaries of International Protection for 2022[15] was adopted in January 2022, making the City of Zagreb the first unit of local and regional self-government in Croatia to adopt such strategic document.[16] Measures and activities included social protection, health care, language learning and education, work and employment, strengthening local capacities and intercity and international cooperation. In May 2023, the City Assembly of the City of Zagreb adopted new Action Plan of the City of Zagreb for the implementation of the Charter of Integrating Cities for 2023 and 2024.[17] The general objective of the Action Plan is to encourage and implement the integration of applicants for international protection, persons granted international or temporary protection, and foreign workers residing in the City of Zagreb, into society, and to contribute to the development of the entire migration policy in the Republic of Croatia. The specific objectives of the Action Plan are elaborated through 7 thematic areas: 1. Information and exercise of rights; 2. Social and health care; 3. Language learning and education; 4. Intercultural learning; 5. Preparation for job search and employment; 6. Strengthening of local integration capacities; and 7. Intercity and international cooperation.
During 2025, the implementation of the Action Plan of the City of Zagreb for the implementation of the Charter of Integrating Cities for 2023 and 2024, which was extended until the end odf 2025, has continued. The Action Plan of the City of Zagreb is aimed at the integration of applicants for international protection, persons granted international or temporary protection and foreign workers residing in the area of the City of Zagreb.[18]
As part of the implementation of integration activities, a Public Call for Expressions of Interest from organizations was launched, through which 11 civil society organizations were funded. The main areas of activity included: free Croatian language courses; IT workshops for preparation for the labour market, including CV and cover letter drafting; networking events connecting employers with foreign workers and persons granted international protection; empowerment programmes for women (applicants for and beneficiaries of international protection and foreign workers); cultural mediation and translation services; workshops for children, awareness-raising among the local population and training for city officials.
Alongside civil society organisations, the Callidus School of Foreign Languages also offered free Croatian-language courses. These courses offered the opportunity to take the proficiency exam and obtain a language certificate, which is required to regulate legal status in the Republic of Croatia, pursue further education, or secure employment. A total of 172 participants[19] attended the course at Callidus.
In 2025, the City of Zagreb Coordination for the Integration of Foreigners continued its work under a new mandate, comprising a total of 24 members from city administrative bodies, public institutions owned by the City of Zagreb, civil society organisations, religious communities, the academic community, and representatives of migrant groups.
The City Assembly of the City of Zagreb, at its 6th session held on 16 December 2025, adopted the Programme of the City of Zagreb for the implementation of the Charter of Integrating Cities for the period 2026–2030.[20] The Programme aims to develop sustainable models of integration through accessible services and intercultural programmes, with the participation of all relevant stakeholders. Within the Programme, three specific objectives are highlighted: inclusive and transparent governance of integration policy, strengthening the integration capacities of the City of Zagreb, and raising public awareness alongside the development of intercultural programmes. The measures and activities will be implemented through the Programme’s implementation plan, which is currently being prepared.
In 2024, a Public Call was also issued for awarding financial support for the education of secondary school students and university students granted international or temporary protection for the year 2024. The call foresaw 75 scholarships in the amount of €2,000 per student. The scholarships was paid as a one-time amount from the City of Zagreb’s Budget for 2024 at the beggining of 2025.
In 2025, the research “Mapping the Needs of Third-Country Nationals in Zagreb”[21] was published, conducted within the UNITES – UrbaN InTEgration Strategies through Co-design project. The research aimed to identify the needs of foreign nationals, including applicants for international protection, persons granted international or temporary protection, and migrant workers holding residence and work permits. The research was carried out using a participatory approach, involving representatives of the target groups, the city administration, and civil society organisations working in the field of integration.
In addition, two EU integration projects were implemented in the course of 2025: the CONSOLIDATE project, implemented in partnership with the EUROCITIES network and funded by AMIF; and the Plan Einstein Academy project, which began in October 2024 and is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) under the URBACT IV programme.
The Plan Einstein Academy project is an innovative approach to the reception, integration and inclusion of foreigners in cities from the first day of their arrival, whose concept and basic principles were developed by the City of Utrecht. City of Zagreb participates in the Plan Einstein Academy project as one of six partner cities. Within the Plan Einstein Academy project, a local URBACT group was established in the Novi Zagreb district at the Travno Cultural Centre, in cooperation with civil society organisations Borders:None and Are You Syrious?, as well as the Zagreb City Libraries. The initiative aims to involve local residents and people with a migrant background and to decentralise integration activities, including the establishment of a Welcome Centre information desk. As a first joint activity, an intercultural music workshop Choir To Go was held in November, fostering intergenerational connection and community building through music from different cultures. An investment plan for the further development of decentralised integration activities is currently being prepared within the project.
Within the CONSOLIDATE project, an action plan was developed. It includes research and mapping of migrant community needs in city districts, the identification and training of community connectors for informal interpretation and cultural mediation, the development and management of the Welcome Centre’s website and social media, and the preparation of informational materials for foreign workers and users of the Welcome Centre.
In addition, the implementation of the project ‘ALTERNative Education – Intercultural School Lesson‘ also continued in Zagreb’s primary and secondary schools. This project, which contributes to reducing prejudice by creating the conditions for building a fair and inclusive society, was implemented during 2025 in 33 Zagreb schools (14 primary and 19 secondary schools), involving aproximatelly 1,100 students as well as 21 workshops at the Youth Center Ribnjak, with an additional 200 participants.
The Coordination of the City of Zagreb for the Integration of Foreigners also continued its work in 2025. The Coordination consists of a total of 24 members from the ranks of city administrative bodies, public institutions owned by the City of Zagreb, civil society organizations, religious communities, the academic community, and representatives of migrant groups.[22]
In September 2024 the Welcome Centre (One Stop Shop) was opened in Zagreb with UNHCR support.[23] The One Stop Shop is envisaged as a unique central point for informing applicants for international protection, individuals granted international or temporary protection, and foreign workers with residence and work permits. It is the first service of this kind in Croatia. In the Welcome Centre beneficiaries can get information from the field of social protection and health in the jurisdiction of the City, information on enrolment in kindergarten, primary and secondary schools, on opportunities to obtain scholarships for pupils and students with granted international and temporary protection, general legal information, information on regulating civil status (marriage, registration of life partnership, registration of birth, etc.), information on the performance of economic activities through trades, information on enrolment in Croatian language courses and information on all other integration activities (educations, workshops, cultural mediation, etc.).[24] In addition to providing information about all available services and rights under the responsibility of the City of Zagreb, clients will also be able to receive information about the implementation and inclusion in other integration activities carried out by the City of Zagreb within its Action Plan.[25]
The One Stop Shop continued to operate in 2025 as a central point for informing refugees and migrants about their rights, obligations, and the services provided by the City of Zagreb.
As UNHCR implementing partners, the CRC and CLC continued to provide support to City of Zagreb employees at the One Stop Shop throughout 2025. CRC’s presence was maintained three times per week during the first half of the year and once per week from July through December, while CLC’s lawyers were present at the Welcome Centre twice a week.
The Croatin Red Cross also reported they conducted a series of activities focused on the integration of beneficiaries of international protection. As part of these efforts, a workshop was held in Kutina on the integration of beneficiaries of international and temporary protection, intended for professionals providing support at the local level. In cooperation with the Education and Teacher Training Agency, three trainings were also held for primary and secondary school staff on the topic of ‘Migration and Integration of Persons Under International Protection and Refugee Children, and the Prevention of Human Trafficking‘. Training courses are mainly held online so that participation is possible for staff from all over Croatia.[26]
In October and November 2023, UNHCR presented its Municipal Toolkit[27] to over 30 local stakeholders in eastern and southern Croatia, promoting this tool for the effective inclusion of refugees at the local level.[28]
Information provision on services and rights available
In 2022, the integration.zagreb.hr website, was created. The website contains information on the rights and services provided by the City of Zagreb for applicants for international protection, persons granted international protection and persons under temporary protection. The information is published in Croatian, English, Arabic, Farsi and Ukrainian and refers to services in the fields of social protection, health care, education, employment, free legal aid and cultural activities organised by the cultural centres of the City of Zagreb.[29]
In 2021, the Ministry of Interior published frequently asked questions and answers in regard to the status granted under international protection in several languages.[30]
Basic information for the Integration of Foreigners can be found in an amended guide for integration which was prepared by the Croatian Governmental Office for Human Rights and the Rights of National Minorities in 2019. The guide is available in seven languages (Croatian, English, French, Ukrainian, Arabic, Urdu and Farsi).[31] In 2022, the Office for Human Rights and the Rights of National Minorities published an updated edition of the Guide for Integration in Croatian and Ukrainian.[32]
In February 2023, the Office for Human Rights and the Rights of National Minorities issued a brochure “The Rights of Persons Granted International and Temporary Protection“. The brochure contains information on the available mechanisms for the protection and promotion of human rights and the suppression of discrimination in Croatia, especially in the context of international and temporary protection. The brochure is available in twelve languages: Arabic, English, Farsi, Filipino, French, Hindi, Croatian, Nepali, Pashto, Spanish, Turkish and Ukrainian.[33]
In October 2025, the Office for Human Rights and the Rights of National Minorities (OHRRNM) initiated a public procurement procedure for the production of five animated videos and accompanying infographics on the rights and obligations of third-country nationals in the areas of education, healthcare, and employment, as well as on the specific integration challenges faced by migrant women, the prevention of human trafficking in the context of migration, and the protection system for unaccompanied minors.
The content of these materials will be translated into eight languages most commonly used by beneficiaries of international protection and other third-country nationals in the Republic of Croatia.[34]
In 2022, the Governmental Office for Gender Equality, in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior and UNHCR, published a leaflet intended to inform victims of gender-based violence about available protection options and services. The leaflet is intended primarily for female migrants, refugees and applicants for international protection, although it acknowledges that gender-based violence can be committed against men. It is available in 8 languages (Arabic, Croatian, English, Farsi, French, Kurdish, Turkish and Urdu).[35]
In 2021, the MoI created the application “Resettle in Croatia”.[36] The application was created with the aim of providing faster and easier access to information and guidelines for persons who arrive in Croatia under a resettlement programme, and who were granted international protection upon arrival. The application was developed as part of the project “Establishment of a resettlement mechanism” co-financed by AMIF. In addition to information on the different steps, i.e., the procedure in the Republic of Türkiye and after the arrival in the Republic of Croatia for persons from the resettlement programme, the application offers information on the rights that persons acquire after obtaining international protection and how to exercise these rights and obligations in Croatia. The application further offers all persons who have been granted asylum or subsidiary protection in Croatia useful information on all important aspects of life in Croatia from health care, education, work, housing to easier access to activities necessary for daily functioning. The application is available in Croatian, English, Arabic and Kurdish.[37]
On the ‘Help’ website run by UNHCR, persons granted international protection can also find information about their rights, obligations and the services available to them in Croatia.[38]
In 2022, the association RODA (Parents in Action), with the support of UNICEF, created a website[39] where basic information is provided to families on the move and families with children staying in Croatia.[40] In 2024, the UNICEF Office for Croatia, in cooperation with its implementing partner RODA, upgraded the website. The website includes information on access to healthcare services, nutrition, appropriate care, community resources and support in Croatia, and is intended for parents and caregivers of children aged 0–7, as well as professionals. The website is available in Croatian, French, Ukrainian and Arabic. As part of this collaboration, a needs assessment is also being carried out to gain an in-depth understanding of the experiences and needs of programme users—parents of young and preschool-aged children (0–7 years) who are applicants for international protection, have been granted protection, are foreign workers, or have another legal status in Croatia. The objective is to ensure that all parents/caregivers have access to relevant information through the website on the necessary support and resources, enabling them to effectively fulfil their parental responsibilities, integrate into the community, and provide optimal early childhood support to their children. The results of the assessment will be available in 2025.[41]
The Count me in Platform is an outcome of the European-funded project DIFE – Digital Integration for Equality. The aim of this project was to support the lifelong learning and education of migrants and members of the Romani community in the EU through the development of a free digital learning platform. The platform contains courses in the fields of active citizenship, labour integration, digital literacy, and health and relationship. It is available in several languages, while the course materials are translated into Arabic, Farsi and Romani. The project was implemented by a consortium of four organizations: Initiative – Centre for Education (Croatia), Adult Education Centre Lendava (Slovenia), Institute for Roma and Minorities Integration (Germany) and Welcome Home International (Belgium).[42]
Main issues related to inclusion
As reported in previous years, beneficiaries of international protection still face challenges exercising their rights, as detailed in this Chapter. The MIPEX 2023 ranking listed Croatia among the countries categorised as Equality on paper – Halfway favourable.[43]
The main problems with regards to integration identified are the non-implementation of Croatian language courses at the national level, difficulties in exercising the right to health care, delays in preparatory classes for children, and difficulties accessing education. The Ombudswoman reported that persons under international protection have still not been granted access to the basic Croatian language course offered through the CES voucher scheme in 2025, while persons under temporary protection were and are allowed access. In addition, the Ombudswoman reported on the obstacles faced by beneficiaries of international protection regarding the exercise of their right to health. Namely, the law guarantees them healthcare to the same extent as persons insured under the compulsory health insurance system. However, if they are unemployed, they do not hold the status of an insured person with the Croatian Health Insurance Fund (CHIF). Consequently, they cannot obtain supplementary health insurance, lack access to electronic health records (e-karton) and electronic prescriptions (e-recept), and do not have a designated primary care physician. Furthermore, physicians providing them with healthcare services must manually submit invoices to the Ministry of Health /CHIF. This situation hampers their access to healthcare, which, in the context of insufficiently available information in languages they understand, leads to difficulties in exercising their rights. An additional problem is the recognition of foreign qualifications in regulated professions. [44]
According to the Office for Human Rights and Rights of National Minorities, key challenges in accessing the labour market still include the recognition of foreign qualifications, language barriers, and a lack of awareness among employers regarding the legal status and rights of beneficiaries of international and temporary protection. The Office also highlighted the need to further strengthen coordination among competent authorities at both local and national levels. Regarding access to healthcare, persistent difficulties were identified in beneficiaries’ awareness of the scope of their entitlements and of administrative procedures.[45]
The association Borders:None reported challenges in finding accommodation and difficulties in accessing healthcare.[46]
At the local level, the city of Zagreb organised a certified Croatian language course during 2025 (see more under Inclusion policy at the local level above).
The Centre for Peace studies (CPS) reported that in 2025, beneficiaries of international protection encountered a number of institutional barriers as well as discrimination practices in exercising their rights. CPS reported problems relating to Croatian language courses, access to the healthcare system, delays in preparatory classes for children, challenges accessing higher education and exercising rights of the students, and access to the housing system. CPS also reported problems in the recognition of qualifications and notification of diplomas when persons have documents proving their education, as well as a lack of customised procedures for recognition of qualifications when they do not have documents. CPS also pointed out that access to information in institutions is problematic. People often do not receive answers in English but in Croatian, which makes it very difficult for them to find their way around, collect the necessary paperwork, etc.[47]
Are You Syrious? (AYS) reported problems with lack of Croatian language courses, access to preparatory classes for children, the enrollment of children into grades lower than their chronological age, which negatively affects the socialization and integration of children, the absence of a systematic support system for children entering Croatia through family reunification and higher education, as well as challenges within the health system.[48]
As UNHCR implementing partners, the CRC and CLC continued to provide support to City of Zagreb employees at the One Stop Shop throughout 2025. CRC’s presence was maintained three times per week during the first half of the year and once per week from July through December, while CLC’s lawyers were present at the Welcome Centre twice a week.
According to JRS, key challenges include the limited availability of long-term housing solutions, bureaucratic barriers within family reunification procedures, and a lack of institutional capacity to support systematic integration.[49]
NGO support to BIPs
To overcome those challenges, beneficiaries are assisted by various NGOs:
In March 2020, the MoI and the NGO “Centre for Cultural Dialogue” (CCD) concluded an agreement on the allocation of financial resources for the implementation of the project “New Neighbours – inclusion of persons who have been granted international protection in Croatian society”, aiming at improving their living conditions (through AMIF). The implementation of the project began in April 2020 [50] and the project ended in March 2023.
In March 2024, a new public call was announced for the financing of a project in the area of support provision for the inclusion of beneficiaries of international protection in Croatian society.[51] The decision on the allocation of financial resources for the implementation of the CCD’s project “New Neighbours 2.0 – inclusion of persons granted international protection into Croatian society” was adopted by the Ministry of Interior only in April 2025.[52] This resulted in the absence of more systematic support for persons under international protection for a period of two years. In the context of their right of reply, 21 August 2025, the MoI provided further information. In particular, pursuant to the provisions of the Law on International and Temporary Protection, an asylee and an alien under subsidiary protection have the right to assistance in joining the society for a maximum of three years from the service of the status decision. Integration assistance activities are carried out by the MoI directly and/or through a selected partner organization. According to the MoI, integration assistance activities are continuously carried out directly by the MoI and any other project activities implies additional support to the integration process.
In 2025, the Centre for Cultural Dialogue (CCD) launched the three-year project “New Neighbours 2.0 – Integration of Beneficiaries of International Protection into Croatian Society” in cooperation with the MoI. The overall objective of the project is to improve living conditions and enhance the quality of life of beneficiaries of international protection. The integration support is implemented by five mobile teams composed of integration case managers and cultural mediators, deployed across several cities in Croatia. Through an individualised approach, these mobile teams facilitate access to opportunities for beneficiaries granted internatinal protection, while strengthening their connections with the local community.[53]
In 2025, the CRC has been involved in improving the integration process in a broader sense, and was also a member of the Coordination of the City of Zagreb for the Integration of Persons Granted International Protection and the Commission for for the allocation of education grants to secondary school students and students under the international and temporary protection of the City of Zagreb. Furthermore, as an UNHCR partner, since September 2024 and through 2025, the CRC has been working at the Welcome Center of the City of Zagreb in order to support the employees of the City of Zagreb in providing advisory services to applicants for international protection and persons under international and temporary protection.[54]
In 2025, AYS assisted beneficiaries of international protection with activities on access to the labour market, which in practice meant assisting them in drafting resumes, finding suitable jobs in rapport to beneficiaries’ education, work experience and contacting potential employers. AYS also provided individual consultations on the rights of persons under international protection particularly regarding rights from the social welfare system, pension insurance, health care and education. Beneficiaries were also assisted in several health care institutions (health centres, hospitals, dental practice, etc.); in communication with social welfare institutions, in exercising rights from the social welfare system and with enrollment in kindergarten, primary and secondary school, higher education and adult education. Support to school-aged children was also provided in mastering school materials, cooperating with schools and mediating in the communication between parents and schools. AYS continued to run a so-called FREE SHOP – a place where applicants for and beneficiaries of international protection can get clothes, shoes, hygiene items, dishes and other household items free of charge. AYS also provided 4 informal initial Croatian language courses for applicants for international protection and beneficiaries of international protection.[55]
In 2025, lawyers of the CLC, as UNHCR’s implementing partner, provided legal information to beneficiaries of international protection in person in CLC’s premises, over the phone, WhatsApp and e-mail and in the One Stop Shop.
The CPS is a provider of free legal aid, so legal aid regarding various status-related matters was offered to persons granted international protection at CPS premises, as well as via telephone and online.[56]
From March 2025 to the end of February 2026, the Society for Psychological Assistance has been implementing the second year of the project titled: ‘Support in the Integration of Children and Families Under International Protection‘, funded by the Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy. Within the project, which is carried out in Zagreb, they are partnering with three Zagreb primary schools. 13 children under international protection or at risk of social exclusion have been paired with volunteers from helping professions who provide them with learning support (once a week for a minimum of one school hour).
The students were also included in three workshops conducted by volunteers from helping professions, focusing on time management and the introduction and practice of various learning techniques and methods. These workshops were delivered to a class selected by the school support staff that would benefit most from them, which also includes students under temporary or international protection. Furthermore, the Society for Psychological Assistance provided individual psychosocial counseling to 15 persons granted asylum.[57]
JRS conducted a wide range of activities, including Croatian language courses (at A1, A2, and B1 levels), employment support coupled with the protection of labour rights, legal aid in family reunification procedures, and cultural mediation and accompaniment to institutions, alongside integration and intercultural workshops and individual support for children and youth.[58]
[1] Migration and Asylum Management Plan of the Republic of Croatia for the Period up to 2030, available at: https://vlada.gov.hr/UserDocsImages//2016/Sjednice/2025/Listopad/123_sjednica_VRH//123%20-%204%20Plan_upravljanja.docx.
[2] Action Plan for the Implementation of the Migration and Asylum Management Plan of the Republic of Croatia for the Period until 2027, available at: https://vlada.gov.hr/UserDocsImages//2016/Sjednice/2025/Listopad/123_sjednica_VRH//123%20-%204%20Akcijski_plan.docx
[3] Decision on the Adoption of the Migration and Asylum Management Plan of the Republic of Croatia for the Period up to 2030 and the Implementation Action Plan for the Period until 2027, Official Gazette 132/2025, available at: https://narodne-novine.nn.hr/clanci/sluzbeni/2025_10_132_1932.html.
[4] Action Plan for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights for 2025, available at: https://ljudskaprava.gov.hr/UserDocsImages//dokumenti//Akcijski%20plan%20za%C5%A1tite%20i%20promicanja%20ljudskih%20prava%20za%202025.%20godinu.pdf.
[5] Action Plan for Combating Discrimination for 2025, available at: https://ljudskaprava.gov.hr/UserDocsImages//dokumenti//Akcijski%20plan%20suzbijanja%20diskriminacija%20za%202025.%20godinu.pdf.
[6] Decision on the Adoption of the Action Plan for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights for 2025 and the Action Plan for Combating Discrimination for 2025, Official Gazette 31/2025, available at: https://narodne-novine.nn.hr/clanci/sluzbeni/full/2025_02_31_329.html.
[7] United Nations, Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination; Concluding observations on the combined ninth to fourteenth periodic reports of Croatia, available at: https://bit.ly/4b83B6D.
[8] European Commission against Racism and Intolerance, ECRI Report on Croatia, available at: https://rm.coe.int/sixth-report-on-croatia/1680b65f43.
[9] Article 76 (5) LITP.
[10] Text of the Protocol on Procedures for the Integration of Persons Granted International Protection is available in Croatian at: https://bit.ly/3K49FD3. and in English: https://bit.ly/3N6l4Uj.
[11] Office for Human Rights and the Rights of National Minorities: The Protocol on Procedures for the Integration of Persons Granted International Protection has been published, available in Croatian at: http://bit.ly/3z1cWww.
[12] Information provided by the Office for Human Rights and the Rights of National Minorities, 18 February 2025.
[13] Information provided by OHRRNM, 16 February 2026
[14] Information provided by the Croatian Red Cross, 13 February 2026., also Annual report on the activities of the Croatian Red Cross for 2025 available at: https://www.hck.hr/UserDocsImages/dokumenti/Pristup%20informacijama/Dokumenti,%20zakonski%20i%20podzakonski%20akti/Izvje%C5%A1%C4%87e%20o%20radu%20HCK%20u%202025.pdf?vel=3338517.
[15] Text of the Action Plan is available in Croatian at: https://bit.ly/3Zbg9o0.
[16] See more at: http://bit.ly/40cXQjw.
[17] Action Plan of the City of Zagreb for the implementation of the Charter of Integrating Cities for 2023 and 2024, available in Croatian at: https://bit.ly/3xmVYeN.
[18] Information provided by the City of Zagreb, 13 February 2026.
[19] The City of Zagreb did not indicate the exact number of persons granted international protection among the 172 participants.
[20] City of Zagreb, Programme of the City of Zagreb for the implementation of the Charter of Integrating Cities for the period 2026–2030, available at: https://www1.zagreb.hr/sluzbeni-glasnik/#/app/akt?id=f608c37c-3585-4a36-b72d-858bcdaa8d98.
[21] Mapping the Needs of Third-Country Nationals in the City of Zagreb for the Development of the City of Zagreb Integration Programme (Evaluation Study), available at: https://www.zagreb.hr/UserDocsImages/ljudska%20prava/Studija%20-%20Mapiranje%20potreba%20FINAL.pdf.
[22] Information provided by the City of Zagreb, 13 February 2026.
[23] Information provided by the UNHCR Office for Croatia, 18 March 2025.
[24] Information provided by City of Zagreb, 20 September 2024.
[25] More information available at: https://zagreb.hr/about-us/205335.
[26] Information provided by the Croatian Red Cross, 13 February 2026, also Annual report on the activities of the Croatian Red Cross for 2025 available at: https://www.hck.hr/UserDocsImages/dokumenti/Pristup%20informacijama/Dokumenti,%20zakonski%20i%20podzakonski%20akti/Izvje%C5%A1%C4%87e%20o%20radu%20HCK%20u%202025.pdf?vel=3338517.
[27] UNHCR, Effective Inclusion of Refugees: participatory approaches for practitioners at the local level, A toolkit by UNHCR and Migration Policy Group, available at: https://bit.ly/4eqB0fM.
[28] UNHCR: CROATIA FACT SHEET, February 2024, available in English at: https://bit.ly/3XwXCFl.
[29] EMN, EMN Quarterly n. 39, April – June 2022, available at: https://bit.ly/3RzfrzX.
[30] Ministry of Interior: Frequently asked questions, available in Croatian at: https://bit.ly/3jrnayt.
[31] Office for Human Rights and the Rights of National Minorities, An updated edition of the Integration Guide has been published, 21 January 2019, available in Croatian at: https://bit.ly/2Xi52wX.
[32] Office for Human Rights and the Rights of National Minorities: An updated edition of the publication Guide for Integration published, available in Croatian at: http://bit.ly/3K46LxT.
[33] Office for Human Rights and the Rights of National Minorities: Brochure Rights of the persons granted international and temporary protection issued, available in Croatian at: http://bit.ly/3lGIJQn.
[34] Information provided by Office for Human Rights and the Rights of National Minorities, 16 February 2026.
[35] Office for Gender Equality, The Office for Gender Equality published a leaflet for female migrants, refugees and asylum applicants, available in Croatian at: https://bit.ly/3FNHzte.
[36] EMN HR, Resettle in Croatia, 4 October 2021, available at: https://bit.ly/3hRLEQt.
[37] Application (Re)Settle in Croatia is available via Google Play: https://bit.ly/3hHzBp4; and Apple App Store: https://apple.co/3Mvkihh.
[38] UNHCR, Help, Website available at: https://bit.ly/3sPxNNF; see also videos available at: https://bit.ly/3nki3RI.
[39] See: https://www.parentingincroatia.eu/.
[40] Information provided by RODA, 6 December 2022.
[41] Information provided by the UNICEF Office for Croatia, 4 February 2025.
[42] More information available at: https://countmein.academy/about/.
[43] See the Mipex key findings here: https://mipex.eu/croatia.
[44] Ombudswoman: Annual Report for 2025, available at: https://www.ombudsman.hr/hr/download/izvjesce-pucke-pravobraniteljice-za-2025-godinu/?wpdmdl=23118&refresh=69cd1d3691f351775050038.
[45] Information provided by the Office for Human Rights and Rights of National Minorities, 16 February 2026.
[46] Information provided by Borders:None, 12 March 2025.
[47] Information provided by Centre for Peace Studies, 2 March 2026.
[48] Information provided by Are You Syrious, 17 February 2026.
[49] Information provided by JRS, 17 February 2026.
[50] EMN, Bulletin number 31, August 2020, available at: https://bit.ly/3Xppds9.
[51] Ministry of Interior: Public call for the financing of a project in the area of providing support for the inclusion of beneficiaries of international protection in Croatian society, available at: https://bit.ly/3z7M5Cf.
[52] Ministry of Interior: Decision on the allocation of financial resources for the implementation of the project “New Neighbors 2.0 – Inclusion of Persons with Granted International Protection into Croatian Society”. available at: https://eufondovi.mup.hr/UserDocsImages/dokumenti/Odluke%20o%20dodjeli%20financijskih%20sredstava/Odluka%20-%20Novi%20susjedi%202.0.pdf?vel=867966.
[53] Center for Cultural Dialogue: Implementation of the “New Neighbors 2.0” Project Begins in Cooperation with the Ministry of the Interior, available at: https://ccd.hr/zapocela-provedba-projekta-novi-susjedi-2-0-centra-za-kulturu-dijaloga-u-suradnji-s-ministarstvom-unutarnjih-poslova/.
[54] Information provided by the Croatian Red Cross, 13 February 2026.
[55] Information provided by Are You Syrious, 17 February 2026.
[56] Information provided by the Centre for Peace Studies, 2 March 2026.
[57] Information provided by Society for Psychological Assistance, 16 February 2026.
[58] Information provided by JRS, 17 February 2026.