Pashinyan on Employment for Participants of the War

The government of Armenia approved a program on July 21 to organize vocational training and provide employment for unemployed individuals who participated in the military operations unleashed by Azerbaijan in 2016 and 2020.

Armenia's Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Narek Mkrtchyan, stated that with appropriate support, unemployed individuals who participated in the war would be given the opportunity to fill vacant positions available with employers.

"The program has three components. The first relates to professional training for the beneficiary lasting up to 5 months. This can be organized at the employer's premises, in educational institutions, or in institutions proposed by the unified social service. The second component involves a three-month internship at the employer's organization. The third component stipulates that when the employer decides that additional training or an internship is not necessary for the specific beneficiary, they accept them for employment and receive a one-time assistance," said the minister.

During the entire duration of training, the beneficiary is offered financial support for tuition reimbursement on a monthly basis, with a maximum of 50,000 AMD per month, along with a scholarship amounting to 50% of the minimum monthly wage as defined by Article 1 of the Republic of Armenia's law on Minimum Monthly Wage.

Upon completion of the vocational training course and receipt of a certificate, the employer is obliged to sign an employment contract with the beneficiary for a minimum period of one year. After signing the employment contract, the employer is offered a monthly sum of up to 50,000 AMD for one year, to cover the income tax, stamp duties, and social security contributions specified by law.

In cases where the employer organizes work experience, they are offered compensation for the payment of the beneficiary's salary according to the amount set forth by Article 1 of the Republic of Armenia's law on Minimum Monthly Wage, on a monthly basis for three months, covering income tax, stamp duties, and social contributions in cases specified by law, for a maximum of 25,000 AMD per month for three months, and a maximum of 50,000 AMD per month for nine months.

The project also proposes to provide one-time compensation of 300,000 AMD to employers who sign an employment contract for at least one year with an unemployed individual.

According to Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, their observations show that participants of the war face problems in finding employment. They need to acquire specific professional skills. As a result of the discussions, it was decided to implement this program to support the young men who participated in the war.