Azerbaijan implements anti-crisis measure to up employment during crisis

Azerbaijan, Baku, Feb. 13 / Trend , N.Ismayilova / Azerbaijan implemented another anti-crisis measure by increasing state customs on foreign workers in the country, Labor and Social Protection Ministry Migration Department head Rauf Tagiyev said. "Companies will now pay 1,000 manat to extend the contracts of foreign employees," he said. Earlier companies paid 45 manat for every foreign worker and 25 manat for extending his/her contract. The government implemented the measures to reduce unemployment during the crisis. The number of foreign workers in the country will not decrease as a result, Tagiyev said. On the contrary, the measures will simply help regulate the migration process, he added. By intensifying measures against foreign workers the government will force local companies to nationalize their staff. Employers will be fined of 30,000-35,000 manat for illegally employing foreigners. The Labor Ministry said 1,700 foreign workers were registered in Azerbaijan in 2007 and 4,360 in 2008. The foreign workers are from 72 countries. The majority are engaged in the construction and oil sectors. Do you have any feedback? Contact our journalist at: [email protected]