In Armenia, individuals with disabilities and those over 63 to be  afforded employment opportunities

ArmInfo. In Armenia, individuals with disabilities and those over 63 will have employment  opportunities. At its July 18 meeting, the RA government approved a  program to ensure employment for individuals with disabilities and  those over 63.

According to RA Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Arsen Torosyan,  the proposed initiative aims to expand employment opportunities for  individuals with Groups 1 and 2 disabilities, or with profound or  severe functional limitations, and individuals over 63, increasing  their competitiveness in the labor market, and ensuring stable  employment.

Implementation of the program will facilitate their active  participation in public and economic life, ensuring dignified  self-fulfillment, generating additional income, and increasing social  engagement. It will also contribute to increasing their  self-confidence, psychological well-being, and quality of life.  Promoting their employment not only supports their socioeconomic  stability but also helps retain experienced workers in the labor  market, strengthen intergenerational cooperation, and foster an  inclusive society.

The project proposes supporting employers (excluding agencies  providing public services and organizations in which the state or  community holds a 50 percent or more stake) who enter into employment  contracts for a minimum of 3-6 months with individuals with  disabilities and individuals over 63 years of age.

The employment contract may be concluded on a part-time basis. The  program proposes providing employers with quarterly compensation for  income tax calculated and paid from employee wages: 50% for the first  three months of employment, but no more than 25,000 drams per month;  and 100% for months 4-6, but no more than 50,000 drams.

If the employment relationship between the employee and employer  continues for another year after the compensation is provided, it is  also proposed to provide the employer with a one-time payment of  100,000 drams.