"2023 Labour Force Survey data suggests that there are about 3,000 domestic workers in Montenegro, of whom three-quarters are women, while 55% are employees and 80% are employed outside the care sector. There is no legal definition of domestic workers, but one type of employment contract is for performing household chores; employees with this type of contract have the same status, and enjoy the same benefits, as those with any other kind. According to a 2022 survey, 15.7% of the working population work in businesses but do not have contracts and are not paying social security taxes and contributions, while 10.8% have contracts but pay taxes and contributions only on part of their salary, the remainder being received in cash. Efforts are being made in this direction, but there is a lack of reform aimed at legalising undeclared activities in order to enhance social protection. Measures in response to the dimension of undeclared work should seek to encourage registration by simplifying the process, reducing administrative burdens and offering tax concessions or subsidies for both workers and employers. Additionally, the lack of quality data on domestic workers poses a major challenge to evidence-based policymaking."

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