COUNTRY FACT SHEET
AZERBAIJAN
Disclaimer IOM has carried out the gathering of information with caution. IOM provides information at its best knowledge and in all conscience. Nevertheless, IOM cannot assume to be held accountable for the correctness of the information provided. Furthermore, IOM shall not be liable for any conclusions made or any results, which are drawn from the information provided by IOM.
Table of Contents I. FACTS .............................................................................................................................................. 3 1. General information...................................................................................................................... 3 2. Obtaining documents.................................................................................................................... 4 I. PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION ......................................................................................................... 4 1. Public Services ............................................................................................................................. 4 2. Public Transport ........................................................................................................................... 5 3. Communication Network ............................................................................................................. 5 II. SOCIAL WELFARE ....................................................................................................................... 6 1. Legislation .................................................................................................................................... 6 2. Family benefits ............................................................................................................................. 7 3. Preconditions for obtaining allowances........................................................................................ 7 4. Required personal documentation ................................................................................................ 8 5. Special conditions for vulnerable persons .................................................................................... 8 6. Social insurance............................................................................................................................ 8 III. PENSIONS ..................................................................................................................................... 8 1. Legislation .................................................................................................................................... 9 2. Preconditions for obtaining a pension ........................................................................................ 11 3. Cost of pension insurance........................................................................................................... 11 4. Required personal documentation .............................................................................................. 11 IV. MEDICAL CARE ........................................................................................................................ 11 1. Health Care System .................................................................................................................... 11 2. Availability and costs of medicine ............................................................................................. 12 3. Availability of medical care and treatment................................................................................. 12 4. Health Insurance ......................................................................................................................... 13 5. Required personal documentation .............................................................................................. 14 V. HOUSING ..................................................................................................................................... 14 1. Accommodation for returnees without family ........................................................................... 14 2. Reconstruction Assistance.......................................................................................................... 14 3. Restitution of Property / Right of Abode ................................................................................... 14 VI. EMPLOYMENT .......................................................................................................................... 14 1. Labour market situation.............................................................................................................. 14 2. Placement Service....................................................................................................................... 15 3. Unemployment Assistance: preconditions, documents, insurance............................................. 15 4. Further Education ....................................................................................................................... 16 VII. REINTEGRATION ASSISTANCE ........................................................................................... 16 1. Reintegration assistance in kind ................................................................................................. 16 2. Financial and administrative support.......................................................................................... 16 VIII. EDUCATION ............................................................................................................................ 16 1. Educational System and Infrastructure....................................................................................... 16 2. Conditions for the Continuation of Education............................................................................ 17 IX. VULNERABLE PERSONS......................................................................................................... 18 1. Assistance to Women and Mothers ............................................................................................ 19 2. Old persons ................................................................................................................................. 19 3. Persons with mental disorder...................................................................................................... 19 4. Other minorities.......................................................................................................................... 19 X. IO’S AND NGO’s ......................................................................................................................... 19 XI. USEFUL INFORMATION.......................................................................................................... 20 XII. ANNEXES .................................................................................................................................. 21 2
1. Documents .................................................................................................................................. 21
I. FACTS 1. General information • • • • • • • • • • •
Population: 8.730 million Area: 86,600 sq km Capital: Baku Head of State: Ilham Aliyev, President (since 31 October 2003) GDP/capita: $5,403.00 Religions: Muslim; other religions include Orthodox Christianity, Catholicism, Protestantism and Judaism Official language: Azerbaijani Other languages: Russian Ethnic Groups: Azerbaijani 90.6%; Lezghi 2.2%; Russian 1.8%, Armenians 1,5%; Talish 1.0%; Tatar 1.0% others 3.9% Life expectancy: 69,9 years (men), 75,1 years (women) Monetary unit: 1 manat = 100 qapik
Azerbaijan is located on the western coast of the Caspian Sea. It is divided into two parts with the Autonomous Republic of Nakhchivan (NAR) separated from the main part of Azerbaijan by Armenian territory. The country is rich with minerals, especially oil. 60% of the territory is in the mountainous area. The climate in most places is dry and 70% of the cultivated land is irrigated. 55% of the population lives in the urban areas and 45% in rural areas. Demographic estimates are, however, somewhat imprecise because of the displacement of population resulting from the war with Armenia and the occupation of about 20% of the national territory by Armenian forces. The official figure for the total number of refugees is between 900,000 and 1 million, including over 650,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Nagorno-Karabakh and the nearby territories and over 250,000 refugees/ethnic Azerbaijanis from Armenia. These figures represent over 11% of the total population. The economy is based on industrial and agricultural production. Azerbaijan is the birthplace of the modern oil industry and its economy is still largely based on petrochemicals and related industries. The agricultural sector includes production of cotton and grapes mainly for export, and wheat, vegetables and tobacco for internal consumption. Since 1995 the Government has been initiating a reform programmes focusing on economic stabilization and restoration of the external balance of trade. The Government accepted an IMF economic programme and the World Bank's proposals for structural reforms (privatization, financial sector reforms, anti-monopolistic policies, price liberization, etc). Since September 2007 inflation rate increased to 16% again caused with the reduction of US Dollar exchange rate. In a survey on poverty, two-thirds of the population was defined as poor and about 21% as extremely poor.
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The political system is based on a parliamentary democracy and strong presidential rule. The president, who is the head of the executive branch, is elected for a five-year term. He appoints the prime minister, other members of the government, and the heads of local government bodies in the cities and the 70 administrative regions (rayons). In addition to the regions, there are 3 cities with separate administrations: Baku, Ganja and Sumgayit. These appointments require the approval of the legislature, the 124 member Milli Mejlis (National Assembly). The Supreme Court is separate and is the highest element of the judiciary. The ministries in the social sector, such as health, education, and social protection are directly subordinate to the Prime Minister. Legislative changes require presidential approval. Despite the shrinking economy and the war, the political situation is now relatively stable and the government is actively pursuing reforms in all sectors. Formation and independence 1135 - Atabegs of Azerbaijan May 28, 1918 - Azerbaijan Democratic Republic established April 28, 1920 - Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic August 30, 1990 Declared, Completed October 18, 1991 - Independence from the Soviet Union -
2. Obtaining documents Citizen of Azerbaijan, whose travel document has expired or was lost, applying to the diplomatic representation of Azerbaijan abroad for return certificate has to submit: • Completed application form provided at the representation of Azerbaijan (see annex 1) • Expired passport or endorsed document about loss of passport • 2 passport sized photos • Copy of document allowing for residence in Azerbaijan • Fee of 40EUR If person is identified as a citizen of Azerbaijan with expired or lost travel document and he is a subject of expulsion or forced return from Estonia issuance of return document may take longer than usual processing period lasting from 5 to 10 working days. The return certificate issued by diplomatic representations abroad is usually valid for 15 days. It is important that upon arrival application for issuing of ID and/or passport of Republic of Azerbaijan is filled and submitted by the person.
I. PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 1. Public Services Roads: total: 25,013 km The construction market of Azerbaijan is experiencing rise. Since 2007, the capital has been facing implementation of projects on construction of bridges and road junctions to improve the road infrastructure. By now, already 12 bridges/tunels have been finished and put in commission in Baku. Some bridges are being constructed in different parts of the city, as well as in the regions. 4 new roadways have been constructed and put in commission, 2 big roadways are being
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constructed. Reconstruction work of roads is going on. Road links with Armenia are disrupted due to the unresolved conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, thus the connection with the Nakhichevan enclave is ensured via road through Iran or by air travel. Most of the rivers are not for navigation Ports and harbours: Baku is center of Caspian shipping lines to Iran and Turkmenistan. Shipping services operate regularly from Baku across the Caspian Sea to Turkmenbashy (formerly Krasnovodsk) in Turkmenistan and to Bandar Anzali and Bandar Nowshar in Iran. The boats to Turkmenbashy take about 300 passengers on a 12 hour voyage and sail on average three times a week. Winter storms may disrupt these services. 2 other ports are Sumgait, Lenkoran are almost non-functional.
2. Public Transport Railroads: 2,957 kilometers of rail line (1,278 km electrified). Lines connect Baku with Tbilisi, Makhachkala (Daghestan/Russia), and Moscow, Rostov, Kiev, Kharkiv (Ukraine), Brest (Belarus) and other major cities in the Commonwealth of Independent States. Rail line in NAR goes to Tabriz (Iran). Operating costs are high because of poor equipment condition. Direct rail line between Baku and Nakhchivan was disrupted by Armenia because of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in early 1990s. In the framework of the TRACECA project in September 2007 Azerbaijan, Turkey and Georgia have jointly started construction and renovation of BAKU-TBILISI-AKHALKALAKE-KARS railway, completion of which is planned by the end of 2012. Currently there are daily train connection to Georgia. Air Lines/Civil Aviation: Total 45 usable airports and two heliports. National airline is Azerbaijan Airlines (Azal), founded in 1992. Regular flights go to Russia, Turkey, Iran, UAE, France, UK, Austria, Germany, and Czech Republic. Three international airports are located at Baku, Gyandzha and Nakhichevan. There are flights from Baku/Heydar Aliyev airport (formerly Bina airport) to more than 70 cities of the former Soviet Union. These flights are carried out by international passenger carriers also. 700,000 passengers were carried on scheduled domestic and international airline flights. Subway in Baku: 29 km of heavy-rail lines with 20 stations arranged in 2 lines that cross in the center of the city. Electronic card system is applied. Subway stations are open from 6 to 1am. Electronic cards can be purchased at any subway station. The cost is 2 AzN (around 2 Euros) and you can pay as little as 20 cents on top to add fare to the card (for 1 AzN you can ride 20 times). The card can be returned any time and will be fully refunded (2 AzN). Buses: Inexpensive within Baku and vicinities, fare is around 20 gepiks and paid in cash to driver or controller. Routes are posted inside the shelters at bus stops. Buses and run from 5 or 6am to midnight. In addition buses from Baku go to the major cities in Azerbaijan as well as the neighbouring countries e.g Derbent in Dagestan, Tehran in Iran, Istanbul in Turkey and Tbilisi in Georgia. Baku used to have a system of trolleys, but they are not functioning anymore. Taxis: Most taxis are unmetered. Shared taxis still exist.
3. Communication Network Main telephone lines in use: 1,189,000. Connections to the countries worldwide are by cable and microwave. 2 satellite earth stations give access to all countries (International dialing code is ++994). The majority of telephones are in Baku and other main cities – about 500 villages still do
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not have public phone service. The NAR exclave is connected to the 'mainland' via a satellite service. Mobile telephones in use: 3,324,000 (leading position in per capita mobile phone use in CIS). Mobile telephones can be purchased and used locally. Mainly two companies share the market Azercell (65%) and Bakcell (25%). Since 2006 two new companies/service providers have started activities using the new cellular technologies - CDMA. In March 2007 new mobile operator “NAR Mobile” has started its activity as third GSM mobile operator. GSM coverage is growing fast. Coverage includes almost all regions of Azerbaijan. To call cellular telephones from Baku: GSM • Azercell phone: 050 + 7-digit number 051 + 7-digit number • Bakcell phone: 055 + 7-digit number • Azerfon LLC Nar Mobile: 070 + 7-digit number CDMA • CATEL: 040 + 7-digit number • NAKHTEL: 060 + 7-digit number Public pay phones: available for local and international calls with local coins (Azeri qapik) and prepaid card which is available in the Telephone Exchange or at some shops and kiosks. Postal system is functional, but cannot be considered secure or reliable. Registering mail and packages may help the chances of letters and parcels arriving at their destination, but they will not arrive any faster. Azerpoct is the Azerbaijani national postal operator. The Azerpoct has also started providing financial services to the population. The financial services in the branches of the postal operator will be implemented in stages, in Baku’s post offices and regions. In the initial stage post offices bank operations are limited to cash operations, money transfers and opening customer accounts. Express mail services: ASE, Express, Federal Express, DHL, EMS, UPS, Central Post Office Internet users are currently more than 1 mln. According to the National Education Programme, all schools will be connected to wide-broadband internet connection, which will increase this number. Internet link is available since 1991 with Dial-up access, but now all kind of connections (DSL, WiFi, wireless broadband, fiber optic, satellite and etc.) are available in Baku. In the regions mainly dial-up and DSL connections are available. Main Azerbaijani Internet Service providers are ADaNet, Azeurotel, Bakinternet, AzTelecom, Intrans, and Azeronline. National Radio broadcast stations: 14 National Television broadcast stations: 8 (a new sport channel opened in 2009)
II. SOCIAL WELFARE 1. Legislation Regulating legislation: Constitution of Azerbaijan adopted on 12.11.95, relevant International Conventions and Agreements, which Azerbaijan is signatory, Law on Social Allowances adopted on 07.02.06 under the presidential decree _ 55-IIIQ and other relevant acts. Allowances are monthly or single paid depending on situation (article 1 of the a/m law). Potential beneficiaries: handicapped/disabled persons (including those under 16), women who reached 62, men who reached 67, women under 57 who gave birth and brought up 3 or more
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children or disabled child since his birth till 8 years old, men who reached 62 and without next marriage brought up 3 or more children or disabled child since his birth if their mother died or was deprived of maternity right, children of died breadwinner till they reach 18 and above 18 if they are handicapped and if they study but not reached 23 (paragraph 1.0.2. of article 1 of the a/m law). Potential categories: citizens of Azerbaijan, stateless persons and aliens permanently residing in Azerbaijan as well as those categories indicated in relevant conventions and agreements which Azerbaijan is signatory (article 3 of the a/m law). Amount of allowance: determined by relevant state executive agency depending on status of applicant and situation and is a subject of indexation at least once per year (article 8 of the a/m law).
2. Family benefits Social insurance family benefits apply for persons with at least once child. Social assistance is also provided to low-income families, in case of such provisions the family is income-tested – the average per capita monthly family income must be less than 55 new manta. Child benefits are paid to persons residing in Azerbaijan younger than age 16. Child benefit is paid up to 18 years if the person is a student and does not receive any student allowance. The benefit is provided for low income families (less than 55 new manta). Childcare benefit is provided for employees who leave work to raise a child. No minimum qualifying period has been applied. Birth and adoption grants are paid only to the mother or other recognized caregiver Social assistance is income-tested and the benefit should raise average per capita family income to 55 new manat a month. Child benefit in the frame of social assistance is provided to low income families (income-tested) with a child younger than age 1 receive 15 new manat a month. A child with a parent in active military service receives 20 new manat a month; a child whose parent is disabled as the result of a war or armed conflict, a child whose parent is totally disabled or died as a result of the Chernobyl catastrophe, and a child whose parent participated in the containment of the Chernobyl catastrophe, receive 5 new manat a month (September 2008). Child care benefit: 3.50 new manat a month is paid as child care benefit until the child is age 3. Birth and adoption grants: A lump sum of 35 new manat is paid as birth and adoption grant. All benefits are adjusted by presidential decree.
3. Preconditions for obtaining allowances 1) resignation from the work due to the age or health problems but with 5 years of working length of service in conformity with the Law on State Service; 2) inability to work due to the age; 3) physical disability (including those under 16)/unable to work; 4) loss of the breadwinner of family; 5) inability to work due to the health problems since childhood; 6) taking care for child under 8 who lost parents, brothers, sisters and grandparents by unemployed persons; 7) for use of transport, municipal and other services by aged persons if pensions are unavailable;
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8) care for a child under 3 (usually paid to those who are on maternity leave); 9) for education of child under 18 is paid to special category of people determined by the relevant state executive agency; 10) for officially registered guardians of children who lost their parents or whose parent were deprived their parental rights under the court decision; 11) for low income families who have children under 1 (status of the family is determined in conformity with the law on “Addressed Social Allowance�); 12) for infected persons who participated in emergency operations in the high radiation zones if they have relevant medical certificate on X-ray infection issued by Medical Social Expert; 13) for birth of baby; 14) for funerals of state servant, aged person, handicapped person, handicapped person under 16, family breadwinner. Those who fall under points 1-11 are paid monthly allowances and those under points 12-14 – single allowances (article 7 of the a/m law).
4. Required personal documentation Identity documents of the applicant and the person who will benefit from the allowance. Documents confirming facts for payment of allowances, like in point 12 above.
5. Special conditions for vulnerable persons There are no other special conditions for old persons, solitary women, orphans or other minorities provided by the a/m legislation.
6. Social insurance Social insurance is a form of provision covering all workers residing in Azerbaijan, including selfemployed persons, members of collective farms, landowners, and foreign citizens. The insurance is divided into two: mandatory and voluntary (supplementary). The mandatory state social insurance is carried out by the employers towards all employees holding a labour agreement. Mandatory state social insurance contribution: for elective bodies and organizations, offices and enterprises, their branches and representations, as well as the persons conducting social insurance for the others, irrespective of their ownership and legal-organizational form established in accordance with the legislation of Azerbaijan Republic or foreign country and having legal status - in the amount of 22 per cent of the labour remuneration fund; for the persons utilizing cultivable land for private farming (including personal, auxiliary and other farms owing to acquired property and land share) for each family member capable of working (except persons, who established a legal entity) for each hectare of land. Insured person contributes to the social insurance 3% of gross earnings, no minimum and maximum earnings are used for calculation purposes. Self-employed person contributes 50% of the national minimum monthly wage if engaged in trade, transport, or construction; different rates apply for all other self-employed professions. Rates may vary by region, but no minimum and maximum earnings are used for calculations.
III. PENSIONS Social pensions are provided to persons who are not eligible for social insurance pensions. The Government of Azerbaijan is currently in the process of Pension system reform. In principle the reform foresees three-type pension provision system:
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The pension system in Azerbaijan consists of two components: (1) a notional defined contribution (NDC) social insurance program and (2) a noncontributory social assistance program. The NDC program, which was implemented in 2006, is financed by an employee contribution of 3 percent of gross earnings and an employer contribution of 22 percent of payroll. The social assistance program is funded by general revenues and provides benefits to nonworking men aged 67 or older and women aged 62 or older who are not eligible for the earnings-related pension. As part of the pension reform the Republic of Azerbaijan foresees changing the pension system into three components: 1) First type of the pension provision implies labor pensions comprising the mandatory state insurance system. 2) The second type of the pension provision system is intended to provide social assistance to those not covered by the first type or those not receiving labor pensions. First two types serve the purpose of the social protection of the elderly, disabled and the survivors. 3) The third type of the pension provision system is non-governmental pensions. It is intended to establish and develop a non-governmental pension system under the state’s supervision. It is hoped that the reform helps setting up a mechanism that ensures targeted and timely pension payments to citizens, structural readjustment of the administrative bodies in the pension system.
1. Legislation Regulating legislation: Constitution of Azerbaijan adopted on 12.11.95, relevant International Conventions and Agreements, which Azerbaijan is signatory, Law on Pensions adopted on 07.02.06 under the presidential decree _ 54-IIIQ and other relevant acts. Types of pension: for age; for physical/mental disability; for loss of breadwinner (article 4 of the a/m law). Old-age labor pension: Age 62 (men) or age 57 (women) with at least 5 years of covered employment; age 51 (women with one child), age 50 (women with 3 children), or any age (women with more than 10 children). Starting as of 2010 the retirement age is increasing by 6 months every year until reaching 63 for men and 60 for women. Covered employment includes noncontributory periods of active military and alternative national service; periods providing care for a disabled person with a Group I (see disability labor pensions, below), a disabled child younger than age 16, or persons aged 70 or older; periods receiving unemployment allowance or employment training; and periods receiving a Group I or II disability pension as a result of an occupational disease or a work injury. Early pension: A reduced pension is paid at age 57 with at least 25 years of covered employment (men), including at least 12.6 years of work in unhealthy or arduous conditions; age 52 with at least 20 years of covered employment (women), including at least 10 years of work in unhealthy or arduous conditions. An early pension is also provided for mothers who have raised at least three children or one disabled child from birth until age 8. Gradual retirement pension: Paid to pensioners who continue working after the normal pension age. Social pension (old-age): Paid to nonworking citizens from age 67 (men) or age 62 (women) who are not eligible for the old-age labor pension; from age 57 for some mothers who have raised at least three children.
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Disability labor pension: The pension is paid according to three assessed degrees of disability: a person with a total disability, incapable of any work, and requiring constant attendance (Group I); a person with a disability, incapable of any work, but not requiring constant attendance (Group II); and a person incapable of usual work (Group III). The minimum degree of assessed disability for entitlement to a pension is 25%. The degree of disability is assessed and periodically reviewed by a medical commission. Minimum periods of covered employment depend on age. Persons younger than age 19 must have at least a year of covered employment; persons aged 19 or older must have at least 1 year plus 4 months for every subsequent year from age 19. Covered employment includes noncontributory periods of active military and alternative national service; periods in education or professional training; periods providing care for a disabled person, a disabled child younger than age 16, or persons aged 70 or older; and periods of registered unemployment. Social pension (disability): Paid to persons with a Group I, Group II, or Group III disability who are not eligible for a disability labor pension, including persons who participated in the containment of the Chernobyl catastrophe and persons disabled from childhood. Survivor labor pension: The deceased had at least 1 to 15 years of employment, depending on age at the time of death. Eligible survivors are a retired spouse, a disabled spouse, a nonworking spouse, a spouse caring for a child younger than age 8, and children younger than age 18 (age 23 if a full-time student, no limit if a disability began before age 18). Other eligible survivors are retired or disabled parents (who were dependent on the insured); parents (regardless of age or dependency) who do not work but care for one or more of the deceased's children younger than age 8; brothers, sisters, and grandparents (regardless of age or capacity for work) who do not work but care for one or more of the deceased's children, brothers, sisters, or grandchildren younger than age 8. Social pension (survivors): Paid to a dependent survivor if the deceased was not eligible for a labor pension. Survivor pensions are payable abroad under bilateral agreement. Gradual retirement pension: Pensioners receive 100% of the base pension if they continue to work after the normal pension age. Special supplements: Rehabilitated victims of political repression receive 10% of the base pension of the old-age labor pension; war veterans receive 10%; disabled veterans (if eligible for the oldage labor pension) receive 100% (Group I), 70% (Group II), or 50% (Group III). Social pension (old-age): 45 new manat a month (September 2008). (The national monthly minimum wage is 60 new manat.) Benefit adjustment: The social pension is adjusted by presidential decree according to changes in the consumer price index. Composition of pension: base part, insurance part and collection part (article 4 of the a/m law). Minimum pension rate: about 100 USD
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2. Preconditions for obtaining a pension Resignation from work by women who reached 57 and by men who reached 62 if they have 5 years of insurance record (article 7 of the a/m law). Bringing up 3 or more children or disabled child by woman aged from 44 to 51 as well as by male headed household aged above 55; guardianship of under aged abandoned children or orphans; suffer from hypovisganism shall be entitled to obtain a pension (article 8 of the a/m law).
3. Cost of pension insurance Pension insurance shall be calculated in conformity with calendar (days, months, years) and depend on period of work of applicants/beneficiaries. Exception is made to those who worked for civil aviation where special procedure is applied by employer (article 22) of the a/m law)
4. Required personal documentation Identity documents, written application, labor record book, other document requested by relevant executive agency. Application for pension could be also calculated and paid under the letter of attorney. Procedure for designing of the letter of attorney is set out by relevant legislation (article 40 of the a/m law).
IV. MEDICAL CARE In cities and district centres, primary care is delivered through paediatric and adult polyclinics, while antenental and reproductive care services are provided by female consultation centres. In rural areas, primary care is provided through feldsher-midwife points, village doctor outpatient clinics (selskaya vrachtenaya ambulatoriga –SVA) and outpatient departments of small village hospitals (selskaya uchastkovaya bolnitsa – SUB). In urban areas, inpatient care is provided by city hospitals, which provide wide range of specialist services. The health care reform foresees closure of most SUBs, transforming them into primary care centres (doctor and medical points). There has been limited privatization in the health system. Oncology services can only be provided in state hospitals, but otherwise private providers are entitled to include any other services and make their decisions on the basis of the relatively profitability of different fields.
1. Health Care System In 2008 January a basic state-guaranteed basic benefit package of services is being introduced (the process should be finalized by 2012) as part of mandatory health insurance. The package includes all primary, preventive and public health services such as primary health care, emergency care and the services of certain types of specialists. Supplementary services will be financed through the population’s own resources, voluntary health insurance and different financial aids. Although most health care is formally free at the point of use, often patients will be requested to pay fees to access services. •
Public medical facilities are still below European standards.
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Private medical services are available but these are limited to small clinics, general practice and emergency treatment. MoH is responsible for certain central, typically specialist, institutions, and the administrations of regions and cities are responsible for all other services. MoH is the leading body for the reform implementation. It provides policy support for project development initiates the legislative basis and monitors the implementation process. In addition, there are several parallel health establishments run by other ministries, e.g. hospital of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Accountability is complex as the regional health administrations are accountable for some issues to MoH but receive their funds from the district administrations. Regulating legislation is the Constitution of Azerbaijan adopted on 12.11.05, Law on Protection of Health of the Population adopted on 26.06.97, International Conventions and Agreements, which Azerbaijan is signatory and other relevant acts..
Official financing of medical care system is from: • budgetary allocations (through taxes and other government revenues such as exportation of natural resources, agricultural and industrial products) – over 90% • self-financing initiative in public facilities – less than 10%. State funding of medical services is allocated to: • MoH and institutions that are directly subordinate to MoH (national hospitals, sanitary epidemiological services (SES), universities); • health departments of regions and cities. These departments are under local control, but for technical issues are subordinate to MoH. They receive their funds from both locally raised revenue and central subsidies from the Ministry of Finance; • health departments of various ministries (i.e. Internal Affairs, national security, railway, state shipping company, airlines, etc), which are not subordinate to MoH.
2. Availability and costs of medicine • •
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An Essential Drugs Policy is being developed by the MoH Drugs are purchased and distributed to hospitals by the pharmaceutical department of MoH. The annual drug supply is usually sufficient for only a 2–3 week period. Drugs are free-ofcharge for in-patient treatments. Patients are charged for the drugs for outpatient treatments, except for cancer and some psychiatric diseases Pharmacies are private Drugs are comparatively expensive Quality of drugs is controlled by special inspection of MoH Most drugs are available but some may not be available in Azerbaijan, and in some cases the names are different from those in EU
With the exception of certain conditions such as TB and diabetes, all other outpatient drugs are purchased by the population out of pocket at full cost
3. Availability of medical care and treatment Basic rehabilitation care is delivered by physiotherapy physicians and nurses working in polyclinics. The range of services includes manual therapy, special physical exercise programmes, bathing with special agents, electromagnetic wave therapy and others. Long term care is provided primarily by acute care hospitals and families.
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Continuity of care is poor as patients are often treated by different doctors during successive visits. The policies of MoH focus on mother and child health, control of infectious diseases, iodine deficiency disorders and health promotion. The following changes are currently being developed by the governmental agencies: • making services more cost-effective by consolidating facilities, shifting to out-patient treatment, strengthening preventive measures, and introducing an Essential Drugs Policy; • giving priority to mother and child care; • involving communities in medical system management and financing; • developing health promotion; • introducing insurance – first at the community level and later at the national level. Medical care and treatment is carried out by specialized hospitals and clinics. Secondary medical care is provided mainly by specialized dispensaries and by specialized departments of general hospitals. Patients can be referred by an internist working in one of the various "primary medical care" facilities or they can self refer. In theory there is free choice of physician although, in practice, this is not always possible. There are both general and specialized (“single specialty”) hospitals throughout the country. The specialized hospitals are in all big cities and most of the regions (maternity hospitals, endocrinology, dermatology, tuberculosis, psychiatric, oncology, etc.). The majority of specialized hospitals are in Baku with others in Ganja and Sumgayit. All hospitals are public and services are provided within the integrated system. Every regional center has both a general and a specialized hospital. Major problem of rural areas is the lack of services in the most remote villages, especially in mountainous areas, although almost all villages have intermediate hospitals or doctors’ ambulatories in each catchment area. There is over-capacity throughout the system, in terms of both staff and health facilities and in both urban and rural areas.
4. Health Insurance Article 13, “Medical insurance of the citizens” of the a/m law says that “the medical insurance of the citizens (obligatory and voluntary) is carried out in the order established by the legislation of Azerbaijan”. In fact citizens do not follow medical insurance procedures but do it during their travel abroad as it is required by all western embassies in Azerbaijan. Foreign companies and offices of IOs deal with the medical insurance of its staff members in Azerbaijan. Popular insurance companies are ATASHGAH Sighorta, MBASK, BashakInam, AzerSighorta, Xalq Sighorta, BSS, and Standard Insurance with head offices in Baku and branches in regions. Medical benefits for insured workers Compulsory medical insurance is organized by employers and covers medical services provided directly to patients by public and private facilities contracted by the health insurance agencies. Free medical services include the provision of wheelchairs, immunization and vaccination services, and home nursing care for persons with a Group I disability (a person with a total disability, incapable of any work, and requiring constant attendance). There is compensation for transportation expenses for disabled persons and for authorized medical treatment abroad. Persons with a Group I (a person with a total disability, incapable of any work, and requiring constant attendance) or Group II (a disabled person, incapable of any work, but not requiring
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constant attendance) disability and persons with long employment records are entitled to free dental prostheses and medicines prescribed by a doctor. Prostheses, eyeglasses, and hearing aids are free for all disabled persons, and for those with long employment records. General dental care is free for children up to age 16 and vulnerable groups of the population, including disabled persons. In case of work injury medical services are provided directly to patients by state health providers. Benefits include general and specialist care, hospitalization, laboratory services, transportation, and the full cost of appliances and medicines. Rehabilitation and vocational training are available to disabled persons. All costs are paid by the employer.
5. Required personal documentation Personal identity documents/ID card and prescription of doctor are sufficient for medical treatment in clinics both national and private.
V. HOUSING 1. Accommodation for returnees without family No accommodation assistance is provided to returnees at national level. IOM Baku provides accommodation for returnees in very rare, exceptional cases. Usually it is a premises kindly given by counterpart NGO “Clean World”.
2. Reconstruction Assistance Reconstruction assistance is provided to refugees / ethnic Azerbaijanis from Armenia and IDPs from Nagorno Karabakh by the Social Fund for IDPs and Refugees. No construction assistance is provided to returnees.
3. Restitution of Property / Right of Abode Local NGO – Azerbaijan Migration Centre provides legal assistance to migrants/returnees. No assistance is provided to returnees at governmental level.
VI. EMPLOYMENT 1. Labour market situation Legislation: Constitution adopted on 12.11.95, law On the Population Employment adopted in 2001, International Agreements and Conventions which Azerbaijan is signatory, other relevant acts. Coordinating agency: MLSP • Number of employed in the spheres of industry and production is 3,763,400, of which 1,333,400 is working in the state sector and 2,430,000 in the private sector. • Numbers employed in construction increasing and the service sector is employing many more year on year. • Share of employed workers in agriculture is 42.3%.
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Wages are still set by government ministries for organizations within the budget. Highest average monthly salaries are in the oil and gas sectors and for law enforcement officers with about 400 AZN per month. The average salary of workers in the economy is 315.2 AZN in 2010 As of January 1, 2008, the minimum monthly wage is set at 60AZN. A Labor Code adopted in July 1999 regulates labor relations. Amended in October 2007. Workweek is generally 40 hours, the right to strike exists and industrial strikes occur occasionally. Working age of 16 with exceptions for children as young as 14 to work during vacations. State Employment Agencies were established in Azerbaijan in 1991 in accordance with the appropriate law "On the Population Employment". 43,700 persons applied to State Employment Agencies and found job through employment fairs.
2. Placement Service In conformity with national legislation the only placement services are provided to IDPs from Nagorno-Karabakh and refugees (ethnic Azerbaijanis) from Armenia. Though placement services are envisaged in article 17 of the Law on Status of IDPs and Refugees approved under the presidential decree _ 668-IQ on 21.05. 99 this provision is not yet applied for refugees from other countries. According to the National Action Plan on Counter-trafficking adopted on 06.05.04 under the presidential decree #208 and to the Law on Counter-trafficking adopted under the presidential decree #958-IIQ on 28.06.04 the victims of trafficking have to be placed in shelters. Bases on these legal acts Government are currently constructing Shelter/Secure Accommodation for victims of trafficking. No national legal act provides placement services for returnees
3. Unemployment Assistance: preconditions, documents, insurance According to the Law on Employment (adopted on 02.07.01) all unemployed persons shall be registered by MLSW, who issues special documents for unemployed person and pays allowances. Unemployment benefit: Must have at least 26 weeks of covered employment in the 12 months before unemployment. The insured must be between age 15 and the normal pension age, registered with the state employment services, and actively seeking and willing to work. The benefit is suspended for 3 months for refusing two acceptable job offers or for failing to register each month at the employment service without a valid reason. The benefit ceases for filing false or fraudulent claims or for refusing to attend vocational training. Unemployment benefit: The benefit is equal to 70% of average gross monthly earnings in the 12 months before unemployment. The benefit must not exceed the national average monthly wage. The benefit is paid for a maximum of 26 weeks in any 12-month period. The national average monthly wage is 250.40 new manat. However in practice unemployed persons are only registered. No insurance is provided to unemployed persons.
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4. Further Education MLSW is responsible for seeking educational possibilities and arranging vocational training for unemployed persons (article 19 of the a/m law). However it is not practiced.
VII. REINTEGRATION ASSISTANCE 1. Reintegration assistance in kind At government level reintegration assistance in kind is provided for refugees/ethnic Azerbaijanis from Armenia and IDPs mostly fled their homes between 1988 and 1993 as a result of NagornoKarabakh conflict.
2. Financial and administrative support Under the state-run program, all IDPs are expected to be resettled from camps to newly constructed housing. State Oil Fund allocated 3.14 million USDs from to build housing and to improve socio-economic conditions of refugees and IDPs. No financial and administrative support is provided to returnees at national level.
VIII. EDUCATION 1. Educational System and Infrastructure Elementary education: Length of program: 4 years Age level: from 6 to 10 Pre-higher education: Structure of school system: primary Length of program: 5 years Age level: from 10 to 15 Certificate/diploma awarded: Certificate of Primary Education Higher secondary: Type of school providing this education: high school Length of program in years: 2 Age level: from 15 to 17 Certificate/diploma awarded: Certificate of General Education • Main laws/decrees governing higher education: Law on Education adopted in 1992 is being modified and submitted to Parliament for approval • Languages of instruction: Russian, English, Azerbaijani • Administration & co-ordination: MoE • 1st technical high school and the first women's high school were opened in Azerbaijan in 1865 • Literacy among those aged 15 and over is 98% (men - 99.5%, women - 98.2%), with the small number of illiterates in the middle and upper age groups
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• • • • • • • • •
90% of those who finish secondary school want to continue with their education in some form with 65% wishing to enter university 1,790 functioning preschool institutions serve 111,000 or 16.1 percent of children of the respective age 2 progressive "school-kindergartens" with 109 young children are in Yevlakh and Neftchala regions 1,265 children receive education in the 1st class program that runs in 71 preschool establishments 82% of preschool establishments for 1st year pupils are located in urban localities. 5 special purpose and 5 sanatorium-type preschools are for physically or mentally disabled children to complement the general preschool facilities 6 pre-school establishments have special units where 404 children receive both education and treatment 14 kindergartens accommodate special groups for dumb, deaf and blind children. For 84,000 high academic achievers, Azerbaijan has 225 specialized schools, including 7 gymnasiums and 33 Lyceums 702 schools for refugees/ethnic Azerbaijanis from Armenia and IDPs from Nagorno Karabakh, part of them are in refugee camps and houses, some are in buildings. 88,000 pupils from refugee-families study at these schools
Universities and colleges: Most significant institutes of higher education: University of Azerbaijan in Baku (established in 1919), the Oil Academy (established in 1920). Other well-known state institutes/colleges: Polytechnic Institute, Slavonic University, University of State Languages, State Medical University, Uzeir Hajibeyli Music Academy, Civil Engineering University, State Art College, State Culture and Arts University, State Economics University, State Institute of Physical Culture, State Marine Academy, State Pedagogical University, Technical University, Institute of Social Management and Politology, Military College, Navy College, Ganja State Pedagogical University, Ganja State Agricultural Institute, Medical School, Nakhchivan State University, National Aviation Academy, Police Academy, Academy of National Security. Well-known private institutes/colleges: ASIA Baku University, Azerbaijan International University, Azerbaijan Co-operative Institute, Azerbaijan University Baku Institute of Management, Baku Institute of Trade and Commerce, Baku International School, Baku International University, Baku Islamic University, Western University, Yuzhdagh International, Caucasus University, Columbus University USA in Azerbaijan, Higher College of Diplomacy, Higher Pedagogical Seminary for Females, International College of Business and Diplomacy, International Institute for Contracts and Business, Khazar University, Nakhchivan University, Odlar Yurdu University, Shimal University, State University of Dagestan - Baku Branch, State University of Dneproetrovsk - Baku Branch, Tefaccur University.
2. Conditions for the Continuation of Education School education: • Elementary education lasts for 4 years (Grades 1 to 4) • Primary education lasts for 5 years (Grades 5 to 9) and leads to the Certificate of Primary Education • Secondary education or high school lasts for 2 years (Grades 10-11). At the end, pupils receive a Certificate of General Education
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• • •
To enter universities, school graduates must pass a National Students Boarding Examinations After Grade 9, pupils may opt for specialized secondary education and enter professional lyceums, where they study for 3 years, or technical and vocational schools, where they study for 1 or 2 years Professional lyceums offer both vocational and general education courses while the others only offer technical/vocational courses. After passing a state final test pupils are given the title of "minor specialists"
Higher education: System of higher education: State or private institutions, universities, academies, institutes, colleges and conservatoires. One of the most important reforms is the transition to a multilevel system of higher professional education in compliance with the Law on Education. This reform began in 1993. Institutions have the right to choose their approach to the multi-level education of specialists, determine the contents of this education, and draw up academic plans for these disciplines. Several institutions have started to offer the Magister as from 1997. The only restrictions are those imposed by the requirements of state educational standards to maintain a minimum of knowledge. The Law on Education guarantees the institutions’ right to autonomy. They have acquired independence in financial and management matters. They can therefore obtain their own financial resources. University level studies: a. University level first stage/Bakalavr. This stage lasts for 4 years and leads to the Bachelor's Degree or Bakalavr. During this period, students may study the Humanities and Natural Sciences as well as the basis of the chosen speciality. b. University level second stage: Magistr. During the 2nd which lasts between 1.5-2 years and leads to the Master's Degree or Magistr, students acquire in-depth knowledge and professional training in the Humanities and in Natural Sciences. c. University level third stage – post-graduate course. The best graduates of the Master stage can apply to the post-graduate stage. After successful completion of their studies (two or three years), they become Candidate of Science (PhD). Approval and verification of foreign diplomas: The Ministry of Education approves and verifies foreign diplomas only in conformity with bilateral agreements signed with other countries. Such agreements are available with Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, Syria, China, etc. Documents for returning pupils/students: If pupil/student is returned from Azerbaijan, the Ministry of Education has to appeal to the law enforcement agencies and they will deal with the documents processing of the potential returnee in coordination with home country. Costs, loans and stipends: General education is free of charge in state schools/institutions of Azerbaijan. High education is free of charge in state institutions and students get stipend of varying from 16 to 40 USDs per month to local students and of 80 USDs to foreigners. However some commercial departments are available in state institutions also. The Education fee may vary from 300 to 3,000USDs per year in such department and private institutions including schools.
IX. VULNERABLE PERSONS 18
1. Assistance to Women and Mothers (coming home alone and not willing or not able to return to their families - gender projects) Local NGOs Clean World, Women Crisis Center & Institute for Peace and Democracy provides psychological, legal and medical assistance to women including returnees. No national law provides assistance to this category of returnees.
2. Old persons According to Law on Old Persons adopted in 2001 abandoned old persons shall be accommodate, cared and provided all needed assistance. All these services are provided in practice to old persons free of charge in 9 shelters for old and old handicapped persons functional in Azerbaijan. Current number of old persons in shelters is 1,100. The State Program on Old Persons Welfare Improvement was adopted in 2006.
3. Persons with mental disorder The Law on Psychiatric Assistance was adopted on 12.06.01 and regulates all activities aimed at assistance to people with mental disorder. Other acts are Constitution adopted on 12.11.95 and Law on Protection of Health protection adopted on 26.06.97. Persons with mental disorder are mainly related to category with low income. • 2 psychiatric dispensers and 1 psychiatric clinic are available in Baku • 9 psychiatric dispensers are located in regions • 3 forensic psychiatric services • 8 professors, 3 doctors and 15 candidates of science and about 400 specialists work in the sphere of health care for persons with mental disorders • 69,000 adults and 9,000 children are registered 2 special schools managed by MoE and MoH for such children are available and pupils are boarded there by Special Medical and Pedagogical Commission.
4. Other minorities The law on National Minorities adopted in 2003 provides rights and freedoms of all national minorities living in Azerbaijan. Cultural centers of all ethnic minorities indicated in top 1st page are available in Azerbaijan.
X. IO’S AND NGO’s IOs: Asian Development Bank, Council of Europe, European Bank of Reconstruction and Development, European Commission, International Committee of the Red Cross, International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, International Monetary Fund, International Organization for Migration, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, TRACECA, United Nations Children’s Fund, United Nations Development Programme, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, United Nations Population Fund, United Nations World Food Programme, World Bank, International Labor Organization, World Health Organization, International Islamic Relief Organization NGOs (mostly involved in area of IDPs and refugees assistance):
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American Council for Collaboration in Education and Language (USA/education), Adventist Development and Relief Agency (USA/support), Academy for Educational Development (USA/education), Benevolence International Foundation (USA/education), Children Aid Direct (UK/Health Care), International USA (food/ shelter), Counterpart Foundation (USA/support/food), Caspian Project (USA/health), Diakonie Emergency Aid (Germany/greenhouse/rehabilitation), Danish Refugee Council (Income generation/rehabilitation), European Community Humanitarian Office (Belgium/humanitarian assistance coordination), Equilibre (France Support/rehabilitation), Global Care (UK food/health) Deutsche Gezellschaft fur Technische Zusammenarbeit (Germany/rehabilitation/income genetration), Internews Azerbaijan (USA/mass media), International Rescue Committee (USA income generation/shelter), Mercy Corps International (USA/Grants), Medicine du Monde (Greece/health/support), Medecins San Frontiere (Belgium/health), Medecins San Frontiere (Netherlands/health), Norwegian Humanitarian Enterprise (rehabilitation/support), Norwegian Refugee Council (rehabilitation), Oxford Committee for Famine & Relief (UK/health/support), Relief International (USA/health/distribution), Save the Children (USA/grants), Open Society Institute (USA/grants), Eurasia Foundation (USA/grants), USAID (humanitarian), USA humanitarian United Methodist Committee on Relief (health), Word of Life International (Sweden/health), World Vision International (USA/humanitarian). Organizations providing reintegration assistance to victims of trafficking: - Local NGO “Clean World� - Center of Assistance to Victims of Trafficking at the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Population (established in March 2009)
XI. USEFUL INFORMATION Azerbaijan http://www.azerbaijan.az/ Ministry of Foreign Affairs http://www.mfa.gov.az/eng/ Ministry of Justice http://www.justice.gov.az/eng/index.php Ministry of Taxes http://www.taxes.gov.az/ Ministry of National Security http://www.mns.gov.az/indexen.html State Customs Committee http://www.customs.gov.az/en/ State Migration Committee http://www.migration.gov.az U.S Department of State http://www.state.gov UNHCR http://www.unhcr.org/refworld CIA The World Factbook https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/ UNDP Development and Transition: http://www.developmentandtransition.net/index.cfm?module=ActiveWeb&page=WebPage&Docum entID=714 UNDP Azerbaijan http://www.un-az.org/doc/nhdr2007gendereng.pdf The State Social Protection Fund http://www.sspf.gov.az/EN/
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International Social Security Association http://www.issa.int/Observatory/Country-Profiles/Regions/Asia-and-the-Pacific/Azerbaijan Counterpart International Caucasus http://www.counterpart.ge/ International Crisis Group http://www.crisisgroup.org/en/regions/europe/caucasus/azerbaijan.aspx
XII. ANNEXES 1. Documents Azərbaycan Respublikasına qayıdış şəhadətnaməsinin verilməsi qaydası haqqında Əsasnaməyə Əlavə № 3
Azərbaycan Respublikasının vətəndaşına Azərbaycan Respublikasına qayıdış şəhadətnaməsinin verilməsi haqqında
ƏRİZƏ-ANKET I. Aşağıdakı məlumatları nəzərə alaraq Azərbaycan Respublikasına qayıdış şəhadətnaməsinin verilməsini xahiş edirəm: 1. Ərizə-anketi təqdim edən şəxsin: 1.1 Soyadı (habelə əvvəlki 1.2. Adı soyadı)
1.3. Atasının adı
1.4. Doğulduğu yer
1.5. Doğulduğu tarix (gün, ay, 1.6. Cinsi il)
1.7. Vətəndaşlığı
1.8. Yaşayış yeri
1.9. Şəxsi imzası
1.10. Ərizə-anketin verilmə tarixi 21
Ərizə-anketi təqdim edən şəxslə Azərbaycan Respublikasına qayıdan 18 yaşına çatmamış Azərbaycan Respublikası vətəndaşının: 2.1.1 Soyadı və adı 2.1.2 Doğulduğu tarix 2.1.3 Cinsi 1. 2. 3. 3.1 Ərizə-anketi təqdim edən şəxslə Azərbaycan Respublikasına qayıdan xarici dövlətdə 18 yaşına çatmış Azərbaycan Respublikası vətəndaşının: 3.1.1 Soyadı və adı 3.1.2 Doğulduğu tarix 3.1.3 Cinsi 1. 2. 4.1 İtmiş, oğurlanmış, yararsız hala düşmüş və ya etibarlıq müddəti bitmiş pasportun növü: 4.1.1 Ümumvətəndaş pasportu 4.1.2 Xidməti pasport 4.1.3 Diplomatik pasport 4.1.4 Dənizçi pasportu 5.1 Pasportu verən orqanın adı
II. Azərbaycan Respublikasının diplomatik nümayəndəliyi (konsulluğu) tərəfindən doldurulan hissə: 6.1 Azərbaycan Respublikasının diplomatik nümayəndəliyinin (konsulluğunun) adı: Azərbaycan Respublikasının Latviya Respublikasındakı Səfirliyi 6.2 Ərizə-anketin verildiyi tarix və qeydiyyat nömrəsi:
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6.3 Ərizə-anket verildiyi zaman aşağıdakı sənədlər təqdim edilmişdir: 6.3.3 6.3.4 Hansı orqan 6.3.1 Sənədin adı 6.3.2 Nömrəsi Verilmə tərəfindən verilmişdir tarixi 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 7.1 Ərizə-anketdə şəxs haqqında göstərilən məlumatların təqdim olunmuş sənədlərə uyğunluğu haqqında qeyd
8.1 Şəxsin zahiri görkəminin təqdim olunmuş fotoşəkilə uyğunluğu haqqında qeyd
9.1 Məlumatları yoxlamış vəzifəli şəxsin: 9.1.1 Soyadı adı atasının adı 9.1.2 Vəzifəsi
9.1.3 Şəxsi imzası
III. Qayıdış şəhadətnaməsinin verilməsi ilə əlaqədar qeydlər: 10.1 Qayıdış şəhadətnaməsinin 10.2 Qayıdış şəhadətnaməsinin verilməsi ilə verilməsi tarixi əlaqədar vətəndaşın imzası
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