Empowering Refugees in Croatia: Building Livelihoods Through Language, Skills, and Community

As part of the broader Livelihoods Project supported by the Linsi Foundation, JRS Croatia plays a pivotal role in fostering the socio-economic integration of refugees, asylum seekers, and vulnerable migrants. The project, implemented across eight countries, emphasizes language training, skills development, and strategic partnerships to help refugees overcome the complex barriers to employment and education.  

In Croatia, the challenge is multifaceted. Legal obstacles, unrecognized qualifications, and language gaps continue to hinder access to stable work and formal education. For refugee women, the hurdles are even greater—limited childcare options and traditional gender expectations often compound their exclusion from the labor market. JRS Croatia addresses these difficulties head-on through a holistic, personalized approach.  

At the core of its work is the Employment Empowerment Program, designed to support refugees in sectors such as administration, hospitality, tourism, and education. The initiative blends language classes, vocational training, soft-skills workshops, cultural mediation, and psychosocial support, creating a pathway to employment that is both practical and compassionate.  

With operational hubs in Zagreb, Karlovac, Rijeka, and Vrbovec, JRS Croatia has established accredited training in caregiving, IT, and administration. Legal aid and individualized support help participants navigate diploma recognition and the intricacies of Croatia’s labor system. Strategic partnerships with employers like IKEA, Wolt, and Tom Taylor not only create jobs, but also foster mutual understanding between refugees and the Croatian workforce.  

Yet, systemic challenges remain. Lengthy asylum procedures delay work authorization, and some migrants struggle with motivation or drop out when legal or personal circumstances change. To meet these evolving needs, JRS Croatia plans to strengthen its project management, expand employer networks, and streamline processes.  

A Story of Resilience: Carol’s New Beginning  

Carol, a refugee from Syria, arrived in Croatia with her husband and young son seeking safety and a future. “My country is devastated. I want to learn the Croatian language and live in peace,” she says. “The JRS Centre is full of friendship and support. This is our home now.”  

Carol participates in Women for Women workshops at the JRS-run SOL Centre, where she’s learning new skills and building a support network within her community. JRS also offers engaging weekly programs for her son, helping him adapt and thrive in a new environment. These activities empower families like Carol’s to not only survive but begin to flourish.  

JRS Croatia continues to be a beacon of hope for refugees, focusing on empowerment over dependency, and building a more inclusive Croatian society—one success story at a time. Read more about the Livelihood project here: https://jrseurope.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/LIVELIHOOD-REPORT-2025-2.pdf.