New regulations for hiring foreign workers came into force in Belarus: what is important to know

What's changed:

Checking living conditions

Employers are now obliged to personally check how their foreign employees live and eliminate possible violations. If any problems are detected, they must be reported to the state authorities.

Mandatory language test

Before starting work, migrants must pass a test for knowledge of the Russian or Belarusian language. The employer is responsible for organising the test.

Contract execution period - 30 days

The labour contract must be executed no later than 30 days after the employee's arrival in Belarus.

Prohibition on temporary transfer

Foreign employees cannot be temporarily transferred to other employers - this is aimed at combating circumvention of employment regulations.

Assigning responsible persons

Organisations should ensure constant control over the stay and labour activities of migrants by assigning responsible staff for this purpose.

  Penalties for non-compliance - fines and cancellation of the contract

Violation of the new regulations entails administrative liability for the employer. In addition, if violations are detected, the employment contract with a foreigner may be terminated early, and the employee will be obliged to leave Belarus.