97% of Employment Contracts Have Already Been Concluded in Electronic Form

In recent years, the use of digital tools in labour relations and employment has expanded significantly. This was stated by Minister of Labour and Social Protection of the Population Anar Aliyev at an event dedicated to Entrepreneurs’ Day, held under the theme “Entrepreneurship Development is a Strong Economy.”

The Minister noted that the ƏMAS platform, launched in recent years, enables electronic employment contracts between employers and employees and supports the establishment of a digital HR record-keeping system. As a result, 97% of all active employment contracts have already been concluded in electronic form.

Anar Aliyev also highlighted the achievements of recent social reforms implemented under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, including significant increases in social benefits. He stated that the self-employment programme has so far covered 112,000 people. In addition, more than 59,000 individuals have been involved in vocational training across 175 professions since the mentioned period.

The Minister further noted that, as part of state support for labour market development and entrepreneurship, a wage co-financing programme has been implemented since 2020, establishing cooperation with 1,585 enterprises. Through this programme, employment for more than 5,000 people has been secured, with part of their salaries financed by the state.

He also stated that the Occupational Safety Centre, established in 2023, conducts workplace assessments jointly with employers and organizes awareness-raising activities in the field of occupational safety. Training and awareness events held across all regions of the country, including the liberated territories, contribute significantly to improving employers’ knowledge and skills. Under the “DOST Inspector” project, diagnostic assessments are carried out in occupational safety, use of electronic subsystems, labour legislation, and human resource management, identifying gaps and providing recommendations, training, and consultations.

The Minister also highlighted the role of the Tripartite Commission on Social and Economic Issues as an important social dialogue platform bringing together employers, employees, and the government.

He added that around 500 amendments have been made to more than 150 articles of the Labour Code and other regulatory acts as part of recent reforms aligning labour relations with international standards.

He further noted that new legislative amendments are being prepared, covering key areas such as equal pay for work of equal value, introduction of hourly wage systems, payment of salaries through the ƏMAS system, prevention of discrimination in labour relations, improvement of leave regulations, strengthening occupational safety and security, and stricter liability for violations of children’s rights.