Slovakia is contending with an enduring labour shortage, particularly in sectors reliant on low-skilled workers such as industry and agriculture. Legislative measures to facilitate the entry of third-country nationals (TCNs) have been established, but their efficacy has not yet been fully realised. Consequently, initiatives have recently been launched to widen the issuance of national visas, aiming to facilitate TCN employment in sectors experiencing the most acute demand for labour.

On 3 October a new government regulation (Government Regulation No. 383/2023 Coll. of the Slovak Republic) came into effect concerning the granting of visas to selected groups of TCNs in specific occupations within the industrial sector. This regulation allows citizens of the Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Republic of Montenegro, the Republic of the Philippines, the Republic of Georgia, the Republic of Indonesia, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Moldova, the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, the Republic of North Macedonia, the Republic of Serbia, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and the Republic of Uzbekistan to apply for a 'national visa' (permission granted by the Slovak Republic authorising its holder for the stay in the territory of the Slovak Republic for the duration of the validity of the visa).

These individuals must be employed in positions such as plant operators in the metallurgical and foundry industry, rubber product machine operators, machine assemblers (operators) in mechanical engineering, assemblers in chemical, rubber, and plastics production, electronic equipment assemblers (operators), forklift truck operators, metal welders, metal workers, construction and operating electricians, or maintenance workers. The national visa is granted for the duration of the employment, with a maximum validity of one year for relocated employees. National visas for relocated workers and their family members may be repeatedly granted.