The chief of State Migration Service: İssuance of work permits will be more transparent and convenient for foreigners

 The Chief of State Migration Service, Vusal Huseynov expressed this opinions at the European Union - Azerbaijan Business Forum.  

Detailed information about the latest economic developments and reforms in our country was provided in the forum where more than 700 representatives of the business sector registered, Ministers, Chairmen of Committees, Service Chiefs, head of European Union Delegation to Azerbaijan, European Commission Director for Eastern Neighborhood, Executive Director of the German-Azerbaijani Foreign Trade Chamber attended.

 The report on the business environment in Azerbaijan was presented in  the forum based on the survey with the participation of European Union companies operating in our country. In the report it is indicated  that  the flexibility of migration policy is the second major area among the labor market indicators in 2018  where improvements is observed. It was highlighted that this indicator is the first time in three years, which valued higher than average. The share of European Union companies, indicating the performance satisfactory, has risen from 22 percent in 2017 to 37 percent in 2018.

The Chief of State Migration Service Vusal Huseynov stated that this report will be used as an outsider review of the planned reforms. He noted the positive dynamics and stated that sustainability will be ensured on increasing the level of satisfaction. He mentioned the positive steps about the flexibility of migration policy and issuance of work permits. He emphasized that meeting of the management of State Migration Service with local and foreign businessmen in May of this year and contact with business community representatives at today's forum will contribute to the expansion of opportunities for future joint cooperation and increased transparency. V.Huseynov added that the hotline was created about work permits which is directly under control of Chief of the SMS.  In addition an Advisory Council consisting of representatives of large companies and organizations will be established in order to provide a more transparent form of issuance of work permits to foreigners.

The Chief of Service stated that there are 11 online services related to migration and that opportunities in this area will be expanded: “It will be possible to follow all processes online from the submission of documents for  issuance of work permit to the final decision taken. Additionally, work is being done in the direction of  preparing a mobile application for registration upon place of stay”. 

The Chief of Service called employers to submit forecast information on time for the preparation of work permit quota for the next year in Azerbaijan. He emphasized that it is important in terms of analyzing the domestic labor market and quota management in accordance with real demand.  Therefore, entrepreneurs should be able to assist in this case.

The Forum continued its work with bilateral meetings, expert speeches and discussions.