EMPLOYMENT

  1. WHEN MAY I START WORKING?

Asylum seekers receive their right to free access to the labour market after nine months from applying for international protection, if in that time they have not received a decision regarding their claim. Persons granted international protection have free access to the labour market. Before starting a job, the worker needs to pass a medical exam and enter into an employment contract with the employer.

  1. EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS

The basic rights which an employed worker has, are:

  • SALARY
  • BREAK
  • ANNUAL HOLIDAY
  • HOLIDAY ALOWENCE (money intended to be used for annual holiday)
  • REIMBURSEMENT OF WORK RELATED EXPENSES,
  • PAID ABSENCE DUE TO ILLNESS
  • SEVERANCE PAY (money you receive, if you are laid-off or if you retire).

The worker has to perform his/her duties conscientiously and respect the instructions and demands of the employer when it comes to fulfilling his/her duties at work. The worker needs to respect regulations regarding health and safety at work, work needs to be performed cautiously and you have to warn the employer of any circumstances which could prove to be a threat to the life or health of workers or could cause damage to the employer.

  1. TYPES OF EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT

Based on the duration of the contract, you can enter into an employment contract for a definite duration (specifying the period of employment) or indefinite duration. The contract can vary in the number of hours of work per week. You can work 40 hours or less per week.

  1. AGENCY WORK

While searching for a job, some workers seek assistance from employment agencies, which will offer them support in finding employment.

When an employment agency finds work for you, you do not sign the employment contract directly with employer but with the agency. You do your work in the company where the work was found for you by the agency.

Workers who are employed through an agency and workers directly employed by the company are equal. This means that they must receive same pay, transport reimbursement, food, bonus, annual holiday and holiday allowance.

  1. ILLEGAL WORK

If you do no sign an employment contract with the employer, this means you are working illegally. In this case, the employer will not register you for obligatory social insurance. In practice this means you cannot enjoy all the rights you have from the employment. Illegal work is forbidden, and it is investigated and controlled by the Financial Administration (FURS). If you are determined to be working illegally, you and the company can be fined. The fine for the worker is set between 100 and 2500 euros.