Author
Access to the labour market is automatic and unconditional. There is no difference between refugees and subsidiary protection beneficiaries in this respect. No labour market test is applied and access is not limited to certain sectors. Beneficiaries of international protection face the usual obstacles related to lack of language knowledge and related lack of adequate state support for vocational training, if necessary or offered.
Professional qualifications obtained in the country of origin are not recognised in general. The law does not provide for a solution with respect to refugees and subsidiary protection beneficiaries except the general rules and conditions for legalisation of diplomas. On its own, the latter constitutes a complicated procedure which in most of the cases requires re-taking of exams and educational levels.
In 2024, the SAR issued 1,074 work permits to asylum seekers who were looking to support themselves while their asylum claims were being processed.[1] Out of them, only 3 asylum seekers and 10 persons granted international protection were employed through employment programs, while the rest found work independently and on their own initiative.[2] At the same time a total of 272 persons with temporary protection were employed through employment programs.[3]
[1] SAR reg. №АД-07-7 from 14 January 2025.
[2] Employment Agency, reg. No. РД-08-1915 from 27 December 2024.
[3] Ibid.