On March 20, 2026, a round table titled “Socio-economic Integration of Foreigners in Montenegro: From Registration and Institutional Protection to the Realization of Fundamental Rights” was held at the Science and Technology Park in Podgorica. The event was organized as part of the project: “Inclusion of Foreigners in the Western Balkans – Access to Social and Economic Rights (FOSTER).”
The “National Report on Access to Social and Economic Rights of Foreigners in Montenegro,” authored by Luka Kovačević, was presented during the round table. The report precisely maps challenges in the fields of labor, healthcare, education, and social protection. Developed in late 2025, it is based on research conducted by an informal network of civil society organizations in Montenegro. The report includes data collected from 26 institutional representatives of ministries, administrative bodies, organizations, institutions, civil society organizations, and international organizations dealing with migrants’ access to socio-economic rights.
From the Ministry of the Interior’s Directorate for the Integration of Foreigners, Ms. Nataša Vuksanović attended the event. We discussed the significance of records as a foundation for integration, and the analysis of data on foreigners as an essential tool for creating inclusive policies.
Regarding the role and activities of the Chamber of Economy in creating a responsible and regulated economic space for foreign nationals, we spoke with Mr. Miljan Šestović from the Chamber of Economy of Montenegro.
Finally, Ms. Marijana Sinđić presented how complaints from foreigners are handled in practice and how their rights are protected through the lens of the Institution of the Protector of Human Rights and Freedoms (Ombudsman).
Our goal for this round table was to identify concrete steps toward a better system through a multi-sectoral dialogue. The event was attended by representatives of state institutions, the Employment Agency, the Health Insurance Fund, the Center for Social Work, the Directorate for the Reception of Foreigners Seeking International Protection, the Directorate for the Integration of Foreigners with Granted International Protection, as well as representatives of the Red Cross of Montenegro and non-governmental organizations.
The project is funded by the European Union under the “Civil Society Facility and Media Programme in favour of the Western Balkans and Turkey for 2021–2023 (IPA III),” within the lot “Human Rights, Anti-discrimination, and Intercultural Dialogue.”
