Foreign Workers: Who Needs to Know the State Language

As previously reported, prior to concluding an employment contract, employers are obliged to verify that a foreign national possesses knowledge of the Russian or Belarusian language sufficient for communication.

The government has approved a list of professions and positions for which knowledge of one of the state languages is mandatory, as well as the procedure for conducting such an assessment.

The list covers both professions/positions that do not require a special permit for employment in Belarus (including physician, nurse, orderly, driver, sales assistant) and those for which such a permit is required (including administrator, waiter, hairdresser).

The assessment of language proficiency is carried out through a written test administered by one of the state universities (in Minsk — the Minsk State Linguistic University).

To initiate the assessment, the employer shall submit a written request, and a contract for paid services shall be concluded between the university and the foreign worker.

Only upon successful completion of the test is the employer entitled to hire the foreign worker and enter into an employment contract with them.