From Kathmandu to the Adriatic: How Anju and Aspara are Contributing to Bosnian Tourism

Neum, Bosnia and Herzegovina - Anju and Aspara two young migrant workers from Nepal, arrived in Neum, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s only coastal town, in search of opportunities to support their families back home. Their journey reflects a growing trend in the Western Balkans, where labour mobility is increasingly seen as one of the solutions to fill growing skills gaps and labour shortages, especially within the tourism sector.

"We came here through an agency," Anju recalls as she settles into the common area of the hotel where they have worked for two years. "It was my first job abroad." 

Adapting to a new country has come with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to the language. "I learn with Google Translate," Anju laughs. "When friends come, we speak English, and I pick up a few local words too." Language remains a significant barrier for many migrant workers in the region, but Anju and Aspara have learned to navigate their new environment with patience and persistence.

Aspara shares that she knew no one when she first arrived but Anju has quickly become a close friend. "We became friends after meeting here." she says with a smile. Their growing friendship has been an anchor, especially as they work through the cultural adjustments of their new life.

Integrating into a new society goes beyond just learning the job, it is about understanding local customs and embracing new traditions. The two friends have made the effort to familiarise themselves with Bosnian cuisine, even if it was a bit of an adjustment at first.

"At first, Bosnian food was very different for me," Anju admits, "but thankfully it has grown on me." Cooking Nepali dishes whenever they can, brings them a lot of joy, with the locals even encouraging them to share their traditional cuisine. "The locals often ask us to share more of our 'Nepali hrana' (Nepali food)," they laugh, as they try out a few words in the local language.

Anju and Aspara’s story is not unique. The Western Balkans face a demographic decline, driven by emigration, an ageing population, and low birth rates. These trends have contributed to labour shortages, particularly in the services sector, which made up 53% of the region’s GDP in 2024. Businesses in the hospitality, construction, and other industries increasingly rely on migrant workers to fill the demand for positions that the local workforce can no longer meet. In Neum, as elsewhere, migrants are helping to bridge these labour gaps.

Vedran, the hotel's sales manager, understands this firsthand. "When we first welcomed migrant workers, we were not sure what to expect," he says. "But they have been fantastic. They work hard and integrate well with the local staff." While the initial process—sorting paperwork and setting up formalities like bank accounts—was challenging, things have improved with time and employer support.

Their story reflects a wider regional trend. Vedran’ hotel, like many others, depends on migrant workers to meet the demand for labour, especially during the peak tourist season. Over the past five years, the number of work permits issued across the Western Balkans has more than doubled, from 46,000 in 2018 to more than 100,000 in 2023.

In sectors such as hospitality, construction, transportation, and finance, over 50% of firms are now ready to hire foreign workers to address the critical skills shortages.

However, migration comes with its challenges. Language barriers, limited access to administrative support, and complex legal systems are common obstacles. Migrants often struggle to access services, highlighting the need for stronger support structures to ensure that they can integrate successfully.

When asked whether it is harder for women to migrate than men, both women pause and contemplate. "Yes, maybe," Anju says thoughtfully. "For women, it can be harder to leave home because of family ties." While she deeply misses her family — and especially her beloved dog  — daily video calls help bridge the distance.

Despite the difficulties, Anju and Aspara have found moments of joy. "It is our first time seeing the sea," Anju says, her face lighting up.

Their laughter, resilience, and hopes for the future remind us that migration is more than just a movement of people; it’s about building lives, bridging cultures, and shaping communities.

The two friend’s journey of over 6,000kms to find new opportunities shows that labour migration can offer vital solutions for sectors facing critical workforce shortages. Yet, it also underscores how crucial it is to provide migrants with the right support, from language training to fair working conditions and integration services.