Armenia to consolidate three employment programs into a single package starting in 2027

The Ministry of Labor and Welfare of Armenia plans to make changes to its employment programs to make them more effective and targeted.

Three existing programs aimed at forcibly displaced persons from Karabakh, participants in military operations, persons discharged from military service, and individuals enrolled in the social assistance system are to be combined into a single package.

The programs are based on education and employment components. The three programs are now being merged into one package and improved.

“It was difficult for our citizens to study all the programs, understand which ones they could qualify for, how to apply for each one, what documents to provide, and so on. A decision was made to combine the programs to simplify and encourage the application process and give a greater role to the educational component. In addition, digitalization work has been carried out, and from now on, all our employment programs will be implemented exclusively through the e-work.am platform. This means that applications, documentation, and other processes will be digitized,” Liana Tovmasyan, Deputy Head of the Unified Social Service, said at a press conference.

The new unified program provides support in three areas. First, beneficiaries will be provided with an electronic education voucher worth up to 250,000 drams.

Ruzanna Pepanyan, Head of the Employment Programs Department at the Ministry of Labor and Welfare of Armenia, said that beneficiaries can use this amount to receive training or education only at centers implementing non-formal education programs accredited by the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports. After receiving the voucher, beneficiaries must use it within six months.

“Individuals who have completed educational programs and received graduation certificates will then receive assistance with employment. This is the next stage provided for by the program, under which employers who hire these individuals will receive compensation for the beneficiaries’ income tax. During the first three months, compensation for income tax calculated on the individual’s salary is provided for up to 25,000 drams. If the employment relationship continues in the following months, the compensation will be up to 50,000 drams,” Ruzanna Pepanyan said.

The program also provides financial assistance to beneficiaries. A one-time payment of 100,000 drams will be provided during the first three months of employment. If the employment relationship continues for 12 months, a one-time payment of 200,000 drams will be provided. This is not related to the employer’s remuneration.

The program will launch on January 1, 2027. Preliminary estimates indicate that it will cover 1,500 beneficiaries. If demand is higher, the ministry is ready to discuss it.