By the decision N 359-L of 26 March, the government approved the fifth measure to neutralize the economic consequences of the Coronavirus, which aims to support the protection of effective jobs for certain businesses in Armenia due to the spread of coronavirus.s.

In response to a written inquiry from Iravaban.net, whether NGOs and foundations can benefit from the program, considering the fact that NGOs have the right to engage in entrepreneurship activities under the Law on Non-Governmental Organizations. The Ministry of Economy informs that later, on 6 April, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed the decision N 487 on making an addition to the 31 March decision N 417-L.

According to this decision, a legal (commercial) for profit entity having state registration in the Republic of Armenia or a registered sole entrepreneur may be considered beneficiary of the assistance provided within the framework of the Fifth Measure to Neutralize the consequences of Coronavirus.

“According to Part 1 of the RA Law on NGOs, “a non-governmental organization is an association of citizens of the Republic of Armenia, citizens of foreign countries, stateless persons and (or) an association of legal entities, which has the status of a non-profit organization.”

Taking into account the above, as well as the decision of the Prime Minister, the non-governmental organizations and foundations cannot be considered beneficiaries in the sense of this event,” the ministry’s response reads.

It should be reminded that according to the 5th measure, assistance is provided to the economic entities that had from 2 to 50 employees per month in January, February and March 2020, according to the calculations of the income tax submitted to the RA State Revenue Committee, without taking into account the number of employees recruited between the period of 26 to 31 March, 2020.