The growing number of third-country nationals employed in Croatia increases the need for clear communication between workers, employers and government bodies.
This is especially important during inspection supervision, when the worker may be asked to provide information or a statement about his work, employer, working conditions, accommodation or other circumstances that are subject to supervision.
What does the new Article 242.a of the Law on Aliens say?
The Law on Amendments to the Law on Aliens, published in Official Gazette 55/2026, a new article 242a was introduced under the title “Use of translators in inspection procedures”.
The provision prescribes that a citizen of a third country who does not know the language in which the proceedings are conducted, he is heard through an interpreter. It is about specific protection that is important for both workers and employers.
What inspection procedures does this refer to?
The provision is found in the part of the Act that governs the inspection supervision of the rules related to the work of citizens of third countries. This includes supervision of work, working conditions and rights of seconded workers and certain supervisions related to the accommodation of foreign workers.
Linguistic support is especially important when the inspector has to speak directly with a worker who does not speak Croatian.
Why is a translator important?
In everyday conversation, a misunderstanding can be an inconvenience. In an official procedure, it can have much more serious consequences. The worker must understand what is being asked of him, and the body conducting the procedure must receive as accurate information as possible about the actual circumstances.
The questions may include the employer, workplace, working hours, tasks performed by the person, place of work, contract, accommodation, method of arrival in Croatia, residence and work permit and other relevant circumstances.
Can a colleague translate for a worker?
In everyday communication, employers often rely on workers who speak Croatian and the language of their colleagues. This can be practical for shift organization, transportation or simple work instructions.
The official inspection procedure is not the same situation. If a person is officially heard through an interpreter, the choice and status of the interpreter should be in line with the requirements of the body conducting the proceedings. The employer should therefore not assume that informal translation of a colleague is automatically the appropriate solution.
Does the translator have to be a court interpreter?
The new article uses the term translator, but it does not follow from the provision itself that a permanent court interpreter is mandatory in every situation. This depends on the nature of the procedure, the body leading it and the way the interpretation is organized.
If the institution specifically requests an authorized court interpreter, it is necessary to hire a person with the appropriate authorization for the requested language. When making a reservation, you should immediately state that it is an official or inspection procedure.
For which languages is interpretation most often requested?
Inovatus provides or coordinates interpretation for various European and world languages, including, subject to availability: Nepali, Hindi, Bengali, Urdu, Tagalog, Indonesian, Vietnamese, Turkish, Arabic, Ukrainian, Russian, Albanian, Macedonian, English, German, Italian and other languages.
For rarer languages, it is important to arrange an appointment in advance.
Inspection supervision of the accommodation of foreign workers
The amendments to the Act also regulate the inspection of certain forms of accommodation for foreign workers when the employer provides the accommodation or has mediated its provision. Communication with the worker can then be important for determining the actual type of accommodation and the conditions in which the person resides.
It is useful for employers with a large number of foreign workers to define in advance a procedure for situations when language support is needed.
An interpreter is not only required during the inspection
The same practical problem exists in police and administrative procedures, medical examinations, occupational safety, training for safe work, signing important statements, interviews after an injury at work, and in notary and court proceedings.
For the employer, quality language support is part of a broader international workforce management system. More information is available on the site translations for foreign workers.
What can the employer prepare in advance?
- a record of the languages that the workers actually speak;
- contact of a professional interpreter for the required languages;
- the person responsible for organizing the appointment;
- summons, letter or record that can be delivered to the interpreter;
- backup plan for emergency situations.
It is important to distinguish internal assistance in everyday communication from professional interpretation when the employee’s statement has legal or official significance.
What do we need to organize interpretation?
Send the language of the worker, date and time, location, expected duration, name of the institution and a brief description of the procedure. If there is a summons, letter or other documentation, submit it before the appointment so that the interpreter can prepare for the terminology.
For companies with a large number of international workers, it is also available B2B translation support, which can include written translations, interpreting and coordination of multiple languages.
Do you need a translator for a foreign worker?
For a quote, please send the language, location, date, approximate duration and type of procedure. If a court interpreter is needed, state this in the inquiry.
Frequently asked questions
Does the foreign worker have the right to an interpreter during the inspection hearing?
The amendments to the Law from 2026 stipulate that a citizen of a third country who does not know the language of the proceedings shall be heard through an interpreter.
Can the translator come to the employer’s location?
Depending on language, location and availability, interpretation can be arranged on location. The format of the official procedure should be coordinated with the body conducting it.
Should you hire a court interpreter?
It depends on the request of the specific procedure and institution. When making an inquiry, it should be stated that it is an official procedure.
Official source
The article is a general informative overview and does not constitute legal advice. The method of implementation and the selection of a translator should be checked with the body that conducts the specific procedure.