Current situation

Since its independence until today, North Macedonia has had a constantly high youth unemployment rate, and for some years (2003, 2004) it reached up to 65%. In 2019 we managed to decrease the rate to 35.55 (according to the Global Economy). 

 In 2023, the youth unemployment rate is currently at 24.0%, according to data of the State Statistical Office for the third quarter of 2023. 

Current reforms

Since 2022, the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy started a new process for a new Law on Labor Relations. In 2023, through social dialogue, the Ministry conducted a series of consultation meetings with relevant institutions and civil society organizations. Based on information from the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy, it’s expected to be adopted in the second half of 2023. In regards to youth, the Law is envisioned to offer specific provisions regulating work for young people aged 15-18.