MIGRATION CONTROL THROUGH SOCIAL POLICY IN CROATIA

Helga Špadina Assistant professor /Faculty of Law Osijek, University Josip Juraj Strossmayer Osijek, Croatia

Abstract: Social policy as a tool of migration control is particularly noticeable in countries with a trend towards securization of migration. Eastern European countries have more propensity towards such an approach. Croatia is one of countries where over-normativity of migration law and social policy results in the inability of migrants to settle and integrate. National social policy related to the social and economic rights of migrants links enjoyment of certain rights to the length of residence or a proof of nationality, excluding some migrants from full access to those rights. National migration provisions also limit access to the labor market and labor mobility of certain categories of migrants, thus deterring economic migration, family unification migration and immigration of highly specialized migrants.
Current problem in social policy on migrants is a lack of public discussion on temporary regularization of status of undocumented migrants during Covid crisis, or their eligibility for vaccination. At the local level, social policies are also exclusionary, applying restrictionist approach without a social rights sanctuary for vulnerable categories of migrants. Consequently, Croatian social policy is indirectly exerting migration control.
The research used qualitative legal analysis of national legal provisions related to the social policy applicable to migrants. It also used available reports of human rights bodies related to the implementation of social rights.
Research might provide a contribution to the ongoing discussions on creation of a new Croatian Migration Policy. It might also provide contribution to the creation of an integration system for migrants and might shed a new light on the exclusionary nature of social policy regarding integration of migrants.