Belarus requires the idle to pay for not working
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 6 May 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Belarus requires the idle to pay for not working, 6 May 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5565ba8112.html [accessed 19 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
May 06, 2015
A new measure adopted by Belarus says people who work less than half the year will have to pay the government for their idleness.
The Belarusian parliament on May 6 passed the proposal by authoritarian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka. It requires work-capable people who work less than 183 days a year to pay an annual fine of $250.
Disabled people, pensioners, and people with young children are exempt.
A statement from the parliament, where the measure passed by a vote of 100-2, said "it's necessary to stimulate citizens who are capable of work and ensure they fulfill their constitutional obligation to take part in financing state expenditures."
Labor Minister Marianna Shchetkina told the parliament the measure would be temporary.
Based on reporting by AP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
