The Slovenian parliament has passed legislation that makes it easier to hire foreign workers in an effort to help businesses across multiple industries that struggle to fill labour shortages.

Changes to two laws governing how foreigners can be hired expand seasonal work, so far confined to agriculture, to tourism and gastronomy, industries where employers have long complained about how difficult it is to find staff.

Seasonal workers will no longer be tied to a single employer either, they will be able to change employers after their permit for seasonal work expires.

Foreigners residing in Slovenia for reasons other than work will be able to get a job based on their temporary residence permit.

Third-country nationals will be able to work, become employed or self-employed with a single permit for residence and work, which can be issued for up to two years. They have so far needed two separate permits.

Some changes will benefit specifically highly skilled staff from non-EU countries, those who qualify for the EU Blue Card.

The minimum required duration of contract for highly qualified employment has been shortened from one year to six months, and the required minimum wage from 1.5 times average gross wage to at least average gross wage.

Workers will also have to meet conditions for regulated professions and demonstrate high professional qualifications for non-regulated professions. The exception is the tech sector, where workers can obtain the EU Blue Card without a formal education.