TB cases among foreign workers in Croatia raise health concerns

Two workers from Nepal, recently diagnosed with active tuberculosis while working in Croatia, have raised public health concerns due to their stay in collective accommodation prior to returning home.

The cases were highlighted at a recent Congress of Healthcare Employers, prompting discussion about the medical oversight of foreign labour.

Croatia has seen a rise in imported workers from so-called third countries, where diseases such as tuberculosis, typhoid, and hepatitis—largely eradicated in Croatia—are still prevalent. Medical experts stress the importance of proper health screenings before employment.

Dubrovački vjesnik spoke to Dr. Ljiljana Betica Radić, infectious disease specialist in Dubrovnik, who emphasised that all workers, regardless of origin, must undergo medical checks tailored to their job role.

“There is no bypassing the protocols due to labour shortages. The law requires pre-employment health screenings, and no one with tuberculosis can legally work in Croatia,” she said.

Medical checks typically include blood tests, lung X-rays, and infectious disease screenings, especially for sectors like hospitality, healthcare, and construction.

Workers in the food industry also undergo sanitary inspections, including swabs and sometimes stool tests for bacteria and parasites.

However, challenges remain. Family doctors in Dubrovnik have reported issues with communication during medical assessments, particularly with workers from Asia and Africa who often lack English proficiency.

Dr. Orsat John, head of the regional family medicine coordination body, noted, “Without translators, it’s difficult to obtain accurate medical histories. Unlike in the EU or US, Croatia currently lacks a centralised system for vaccination records or prior illnesses.”

Despite these concerns, experts maintain that Croatia’s health system has the capacity to manage such risks—provided that rules are followed.

Costs of medical exams are generally covered by employers, and workers are not legally permitted to sign contracts without a clean bill of health.