3.7 Cross-border mobility in employment, entrepreneurship and vocational opportunities
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Programmes and schemes for cross-border mobility
Erasmus+ Programme Opportunities for Young People from North Macedonia
The Erasmus+ programme, a flagship initiative of the European Union, offers various opportunities for young people from North Macedonia to enhance their skills, gain international experience, and broaden their horizons. Among these opportunities are vocational traineeships for apprentices and students in initial vocational training, provided under the Key Action 1 Programme. This action is part of the Erasmus+ programme, administered by the National Agency for European Educational Programmes and Mobility.
Through the Erasmus+ programme, young people from North Macedonia have the chance to participate in vocational traineeships abroad, gaining valuable practical experience in their chosen fields. These traineeships not only contribute to their personal and professional development but also promote cross-cultural understanding and collaboration.
Participation of Young People from North Macedonia in Erasmus+
The participation of young people from North Macedonia in the Erasmus+ programme has been steadily increasing over the years. Through various mobility projects, including study exchanges, traineeships, and volunteering opportunities, students and young professionals from North Macedonia have had the chance to experience life and work in different European countries. This exposure helps them develop key competencies, language skills, and intercultural awareness, which are highly valued in today's globalized world.
Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs Programme
In addition to the Erasmus+ programme, North Macedonia is also an eligible country in the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs programme. This initiative facilitates cross-border exchanges between aspiring or newly established entrepreneurs and experienced entrepreneurs from other participating countries. Through this programme, young entrepreneurs from North Macedonia can gain practical insights, mentorship, and networking opportunities to support the development of their own businesses.
Lack of State-Funded Programmes
Despite the opportunities provided by the Erasmus+ programme and Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs, it's important to note that there are no state-funded programmes specifically tailored to support young people from North Macedonia in working abroad or initiating their own businesses abroad. While several laws regulate agencies that mediate the employment of Macedonian citizens abroad, these laws are general in scope and do not exclusively target young people. As such, young individuals seeking international work experience or entrepreneurship opportunities often rely on initiatives like Erasmus+ for support and guidance.
In terms of vocational opportunities National Agency for European Educational Programmes and Mobility, under the Key Action 1 Programme offers vocational traineeships for apprentices and students in initial vocational training.
Legal framework
Pursuant to the Law on Employment and Insurance in Case of Unemployment, mediation for employment in the country and abroad is carried out by the "Employment Mediation Agency" registered as a private agency for mediation for employment in the country and abroad. The Agency shall perform the mediation free of charge and shall be administered impartially, under conditions and in a manner determined by law.
To live and work in North Macedonia, foreign employees will need to obtain a Type D visa. However, the long-stay visa on its own does not allow the employee to reside in Macedonia. They will need to complete the process of obtaining a temporary residence permit from the Ministry of Interior upon arrival in the country.
To receive a long-stay visa the applicant should submit the documents corresponding to the visa type upon receiving a decision on granting temporary residence by the Ministry of Interior. There are two types of permits: Work Permit and Residence Permit.
In 2018, the Parliament of the Republic of North Macedonia passed the Law on Private Employment Agencies, which also regulates mediation in the employment of Macedonian citizens abroad. The law stipulates that mediation for employment abroad is carried out on the basis of a previously concluded agreement between the private employment agency with a license for mediation for employment abroad and the potential employer from abroad. The Employment Mediation Agency organizes an employment interview between the employer and the job applicant who applied for employment through the private employment agency. If certain conditions specified in the contract are not met, the person who is sent to work abroad is entitled to appropriate compensation.
The Law on Labor Records covers the manner of keeping records of citizens of the Republic of North Macedonia working abroad.
Article 29 states that records must include data on Macedonian citizens working abroad, whether they secured employment through the agency or independently. It also covers workers sent abroad by employers for investment projects.