Because of its weak economy, many people in the area around the town of Vladičin Han in Serbia are troubled by the same question: where can I find a job? One of these is seasonal worker Dejan. Among other things, support from the German Information Centre on Migration, Training and Employment (DIMAK) helped him find the right path.

The step towards a working future

Since 2019, DIMAK has been working to place seasonal workers in Serbia in employment. Its objective is to enable returnees and other vulnerable people to earn an income so that they can feed themselves and their families.

Dejan is one of those returnees who DIMAK found seasonal work for. He and his family came back from Germany in 2017 after around six months living there. They had been living in social housing near Dortmund. Dejan thought that both he and his son, who had completed secondary school, would find a job in Germany to provide for themselves and their family. They couldn’t speak German though, so it was very difficult.

Dejan is now living with his wife, his two children and his grandchildren in a small house near Vladičin Han. There’s a lot of poverty there, and it’s difficult to find a full-time job. “I’m actually a drummer. The famous brass band Marković is part of my family. But it’s impossible to make a living from music in Serbia now”, relates the 49-year-old.

He had been working as a day labourer in construction after losing his job in the food industry a few years ago. “That was boring and poorly paid. Now I mainly work in the agricultural sector. That's hard work too, but at least I get a decent wage”, he says.

How DIMAK supports people in Serbia

In its first season (June to October 2019), DIMAK helped 252 people find seasonal employment, including 100 returnees from Germany. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic it has continued its work, such as in 2021 when DIMAK supported 203 people to find seasonal employment in the agricultural sector and around 500 people benefited from the general advisory services it provided. A campaign held in 17 selected municipalities in Serbia also provided additional information about seasonal employment. It was organised by the National Alliance for Local Economic Development (NALED).

DIMAK also plans to continue running the programme this coming year. It is currently advising and placing seasonal workers in the regions of East Serbia and Vojvodina. However, new regions could still be added. This is subject to signing agreements with potential new employers.

Making it easier for people like Dejan to find work is one of DIMAK's prime objectives. Yet placing people in seasonal work is only part of the picture. The services offered by the centre and its partners are intended both for potential migrants as well as for returnees. These services include training courses, on-the-job training and internships. DIMAK also supports those who are starting a business or moving towards becoming self-employed. It also offers mentoring, careers advice and job placements.

As of: 02/2022