How is the HTP Job Application Process Going?

Information technology plays a vital role in the development of the economy and society in the modern world. Belarus is no exception, and one of the leading players in this field is the Hi-Tech Park (HTP). This unique platform unites companies engaged in software development, IT services and other high-tech activities.

Applying for a job in HTP resident companies has some features you need to know when hiring employees in this field. This article will examine the main stages and procedures related to employment in the Hi-Tech Park.

Why is it important for recruiters to understand the specifics of hiring employees in HTP resident companies

Recruits need to know about the particulars of hiring employees in HTP for several reasons:

1. Benefits and preferences. 
Working in HTP involves several benefits and preferences for companies and their employees. For example, companies are exempt from paying income and value-added taxes, among other benefits. Employees can work remotely, receive decent wages, and enjoy additional bonuses that the company can provide them in connection with tax savings.
2. Requirements for candidates. 
HTP places high demands on candidates’ qualifications and work experience. This is because companies operating in the Park develop complex software products and services. Recruits should be able to assess candidates’ level of training and the compliance of their skills with employers’ requirements.
3. The specifics of the work. 
Working in IT companies located in HTP has its characteristics. These may be related to the need to work in a team on complex projects, meet deadlines for completing tasks, and constantly improve one’s skills. Recruits should understand these features and take them into account when recruiting staff.
4. Competition. 
HTP is an attractive place of work for IT specialists. Large and well-known companies that offer good working conditions and high wages work here. Recruits need to be aware of the requirements and offers of these companies to successfully compete for qualified specialists.
5. Career development. 
Working in HTP can be the start of a successful career in IT. Companies here often provide opportunities for professional growth and development of their employees. Recruiters can help candidates understand the prospects of working in HTP and get them interested in this offer.

In general, knowledge of the specifics of hiring in HTP allows recruits to better understand employers’ needs, effectively select candidates, and offer them attractive terms of cooperation.

What documents are needed to apply for a job

To apply for a job, the candidate must ask for the following documents:

• A passport of a citizen of Belarus or a residence permit in Belarus.
• Military registration documents – military ID (for persons who may be called up for military service).
• A work record when it is not the first place of work and not a part-time job.
• A diploma of education or a document of study that confirms that a candidate for a vacancy has the right to do this job.
• State educational institution graduates should be asked for a certificate of self-employment or a certificate of employment (for young professionals) within two years of graduation.

The candidate can voluntarily bring references from previous jobs and other documents that characterize him as an employee.

What are the features of applying for work with foreign employees in HTP resident companies?

For HTP resident companies, a simplified procedure for hiring foreign employees has been defined compared with hiring foreigners to work in other Belarusian companies. The reception of foreign employees has other features.

1. Confirmation of education
A foreign employee can provide a legalized document on their education (or documents, diplomas) with a notarized translation to confirm their education. This does not apply to Russian citizens.
2. Lack of special permission
You do not need a special permit from government agencies to hire a foreign specialist. 
3. Obtaining a temporary residence permit
A foreign employee does not need to apply for a temporary residence permit alone. To obtain one, a resident company of the Hi-Tech Park must contact the citizenship and migration department at the employee’s place of temporary residence.
The following documents must be submitted:

• application for a temporary residence permit;
• copies of documents on the employment of a foreign employee;
• an employee’s passport or other document that gives the right to travel abroad;
• employee’s health insurance policy;
• a document confirming the possibility of a foreign employee’s residence at the intended temporary residence.
• additional documents may also be required, which will be requested by the Citizenship and Migration Department.

A state fee of 3 basic units, 120 rubles or approximately 33 euros, is charged for issuing a temporary residence permit.
A temporary residence permit is issued within 15 days.

The validity period of a temporary residence permit for a foreign employee of an HTP resident company

Usually, a work permit’s validity period is no more than two years for highly qualified specialists and up to one year for other employees.
For foreign employees who are residents of the Hi-Tech Park, a permit is issued for the duration of the employment contract and two months after its termination. The permit is also valid for the extension of the employment contract and for two more months after the end of this period.
4. No visa is required to enter Belarus
Employees of HTP resident companies who can enter the country without a visa must have a valid passport.
The Hi-Tech Park resident companies send lists to the HTP secretariat with the data of such employees (last name, first name, position or status, if it is the founder) and information about their documents for traveling abroad. It is also necessary to attach copies of these employees’ passports. 
The HTP secretariat transmits these data to the State Border Committee of the Republic of Belarus.  
Foreign workers without a temporary residence permit can stay in Belarus for no more than six months in a calendar year.

Features of an employment contract with an employee of an HTP resident company

Employees who work for Hi-Tech Park resident companies for hire can enter into a non-competition agreement in which they undertake not to work for the resident’s competitors and not to conduct independent activities as individual entrepreneurs or founders of competing companies.

For this, the employment contract or a separate agreement of the HTP resident provides for the payment of compensation to the employee, the amount of which is at least 1/3 of the average monthly earnings of the employee for the last year of work. The validity period of such an agreement is no more than one year after terminating the employment relationship between an employee and a Hi-Tech Park resident.

The non-competition agreement specifies:

• The territory in which the employee must perform his duties; 
• The field of activity in which the employee undertakes obligations for non-competition.
• Responsibility for violation of the terms of the agreement.

The process of applying for a job in a HTP resident company

The process of applying for an employee to work in an HTP resident company may vary depending on the specific company and its internal procedures. However, as a rule, the registration process includes the following steps:

Step 1. Applying for a job.
The candidate submits an employment application in which he indicates his data, desired position, and other necessary information.
Step 2. Conclusion of an employment contract.
After reviewing the application and agreeing on the terms of work, an employment contract (contract) is concluded between the candidate and the company. The agreement specifies the parties’ rights and obligations, terms of payment, working hours, and other important aspects of the employment relationship.
Step 3. Execution of the employment order.
An order to hire an employee is issued based on the concluded employment contract. The order is signed by the company head or an authorized person.
Step 4. Making an entry in the work record.
If this is provided for by law, an entry is made in the employment record book.
Step 5. Familiarity with the company’s internal documents.
The employee should familiarize himself with the company’s internal regulatory documents, such as internal labor regulations, job descriptions, and trade secret regulations.
Step 6. Passing the safety and labor protection briefing.
Depending on the specifics of the work, the employee is instructed on safety and labour protection.
Step 7. Getting started.
After passing all the necessary procedures, the employee begins to perform his duties.

It is important to note that the registration process may vary depending on the company’s internal rules and procedures. We have described the mandatory steps needed to recruit an employee to an HTP resident company.

Where does the employer send information about hiring an employee?

1. You must inform the military enlistment office about hiring an army officer.
2. After concluding or extending an employment contract with a foreign employee, the Citizenship and Migration unit must be notified. This must be done within three working days from the date of signing the contract.
The notification can be submitted in paper or electronic form at the employer’s location. The notification form is established by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Belarus.
3. The mandatory forms used in the compulsory social insurance system must be transferred to the state social insurance system.
In Belarus, compulsory social insurance applies to all employees, including foreign citizens. The employer is obliged to pay insurance premiums for all its employees.
The Social Protection Fund of the Population issues an insurance certificate to the employer for an employee who does not have one within about ten days of applying. Then, the document is handed over to the employee against receipt.
4. To obtain a temporary residence permit, a foreign employee must provide documents confirming the availability of medical insurance.
A foreigner can apply for a compulsory medical insurance policy in Belarus or sign a contract with an insurance company in his country. CIS citizens do not need to apply for additional insurance: they will receive free medical care on Belarusian territory.|
5. When hiring a pensioner, it is necessary to notify the state body that pays pensions, the Department of Social Protection of the population, within five days.
6. The employee must be included in the company’s salary project or take his bank account details to pay wages.