Labour Migration in the Western Balkans: Mapping Patterns, Addressing Challenges and Reaping Benefits

- 1. Characteristics of Migration – Main drivers Skills mismatches and labour shortages in the WB6-% of respondents stating that... ■ ...aplicants' lack of skills is the reason for unfilled vacancies ■ ...emigration of the labour force is the reason for unfilled vacancies ...skills learned in the education system do not meet the needs of their job Education systems have difficulties producing needed skills, reinforcing skills mismatches and shortages. 100% WB6 development gaps as shares of EU and CEEC-11 averages (2020) 1% of EU employment rate ■% of CEEC-11 employment rate ■% of EU GDP per capita ■% CEEC-11 GDP per capita % of EU poverty headcount ratio (right axis) % of CEEC-11 poverty headcount ratio (right axis) 120% 2,000% 100% 1,500% 80% 60% 1,000% 40% 500% 20% 0% ALB BIH KOS 0% MKD MNE SRB WB6 average Source: World Bank (2021), World Development Indicators 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% ALB BIH KOS MKD MNE SRB WB6 average Sources: RCC (2021), Balkan Public Opinion Barometer 2021; Balkan Business Opinion Barometer 2021 Development gaps with EU and Central Eastern European Countries remain large. 7

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