Is there unemployment benefit in Georgia?
What exists instead and where to look for work.
Short answer
Georgia has no unemployment benefit: the 2001 law that provided for it lost force in 2006, and an employee dismissed on certain grounds is entitled to severance pay. Under the Labour Code, severance is at least one month's pay (Article 48). Job search help comes from the State Employment Support Agency, but its services are still limited.
Why
- The Law of Georgia on Employment No. 1084 of 28 September 2001, whose Article 21 provided unemployment benefit, lost force on 4 July 2006 (matsne.gov.ge data).
- The country has no unemployment insurance, and the only income protection for employees is severance pay under the Labour Code.
- Labour Code, Article 48: for redundancy and certain other grounds, severance of at least 1 month's pay (at least 2 months' pay if notice is 3 days).
Details
The old employment law provided unemployment benefit from the state budget, but it lost force entirely in 2006. Today, if you lose a job, the only payment the Labour Code provides is severance under Article 48, covered in detail in our question on dismissal. The State Employment Support Agency offers short-term vocational training and retraining courses. Employee taxes and foreigners' right to work are covered in the questions on taxes and VAT and work permits.
Tip
Before any job loss, agree the termination terms in the employment agreement and keep written notices: they decide your right to severance under Article 48.
What may differ
Rules may change. Check current information on the official sites of the ministry and the employment agency before deciding.
Common misconception
After losing a job you can register and receive unemployment benefit, as in Europe.
What actually happens
Georgia has no unemployment insurance, and the 2001 law that provided such a benefit lost force in 2006.
People also ask
- Do you get unemployment benefits in Georgia?
- What happens if you lose your job in Georgia?
Sources
This answer is for reference only and is not legal advice. Rules change, so check official websites.
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