ZAGREB, June 7 (Xinhua) -- The Croatian government decided on Thursday to increase the legally-mandated quotas for foreign workers this year from 31,000 to 35,500.

The change was initiated by the Labor Ministry to fulfill needs in the tourist industry. The number of permits for foreign workers in the tourism sector will now almost double, from initially 4,660 up to 7,660.

Croatia's economy is dependent on tourism and facing a serious labor shortage. There is a need for general hospitality workers, cooks, waiters and others.

Since Croatia joined the European Union in 2013, many Croats have left the country in search for better working opportunities in other EU countries. Labor shortage is especially common during the peak tourist season in summer.

"I believe that this will contribute to the needs of employers, especially in tourism and agriculture," Croatian prime minister Andrej Plenkovic said on Thursday at the government's session.