"The commodification of migrant labour in Europe and the Western Balkans", 4 August 2026

[…]

Omar, a young Egyptian man, arrived in Serbia after responding to a job advertisement.

To secure the opportunity, however, he first had to make an investment of his own. In these cases, costs quickly build up:

• recruitment fees;
• administrative costs;
• travel expenses;
• medical examinations;
• document translations; and
• intermediary charges

For many, the total cost can reach several thousand euros…

For Omar, he was able to take the position only after taking on debt guaranteed by his sister. Upon arrival, he found himself performing exhausting agricultural labour and living in degrading conditions that led to a serious workplace injury. In response, he says he was denied medical assistance and expelled from the farm…

“It is like slavery…They force you to work twelve or fifteen hours a day because the loan hangs over your head.”

His work permit had allowed him to enter Serbia. It did not protect him from exploitation.

His is a familiar story. By the time people arrive in Serbia, they carry debt, expectation and significant risk…

From there, many arrive expecting one job and discover another. Wages are lower than anticipated. Housing is overcrowded. Contracts are unreliable…

Most importantly, their legal status often depends on employment…

[...]