AZE.US
Azerbaijan plans to introduce a flexible working model and expand access to remote employment as part of a broader effort to modernize the labor market.
The measures are included in the 2026-2030 action plan for implementing the country’s Employment Strategy, approved by President Ilham Aliyev.
Under the plan, draft legislation governing flexible working hours will be prepared based on international experience and submitted to the relevant authorities.
The government also aims to formalize labor relations and increase the number of people working under official employment contracts.
Economist Khalid Karimli said the expansion of formal employment could increase state budget revenues, strengthen workers’ access to future social benefits and help companies operate more efficiently.
He said the initiative is expected to bring into the formal economy people who currently provide services or perform regular work without employment contracts and are not fully reflected in official statistics.
Flexible and remote working arrangements could also expand employment opportunities for young people, women, people with disabilities and residents of Azerbaijan’s regions.
Workers would have greater access to jobs that do not require daily travel to an office, reducing transportation costs and making employment more accessible outside Baku.
The action plan also calls for the creation of artificial intelligence-based services for unemployed people and job seekers. The systems are expected to help users identify suitable vacancies and career opportunities.
An electronic atlas of professions will also be developed to provide information about occupations, required skills and employment prospects.
Special attention will be given to women who require additional social protection and face difficulties entering the labor market. The government plans to expand active employment programs aimed at helping them find work more quickly.
The reforms will also affect the education system. Higher education and vocational programs are expected to be reviewed and updated in line with the actual needs of employers.
Education expert Rizvan Fikratoglu said university and vocational courses should be assessed according to labor market demand.
He said the changes could help graduates enter the workforce with more relevant skills while allowing employers to address shortages of qualified personnel.
The number of students enrolled in dual vocational education programs is expected to reach 1,600. Individual employment programs will also be developed for graduates of state-run children’s institutions.
The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population will coordinate implementation of the plan and provide the president with an annual progress report.
AZE.US