The Law “On Voluntary Work” and the main regulations of the laws providing for changes in 14 related laws, which were adopted on 14 June, 2023, entered into force today.

According to that, the legal mechanisms necessary for the involvement of voluntary work are provided by the general unified regulations, which will contribute to the establishment of the volunteers’ institute, the formation of an atmosphere of mutual assistance in the society, as well as the formation of a self-organizing and civically active society.

The following are reserved for volunteers:

• legal basis of volunteering (contract on voluntary work, reference, letter of recommendation),
• judicial protection of rights and exemption from state duties in that regard, the period of voluntary work as work experience for the volunteer,
• the right to compensation for additional costs arising from voluntary work,
• health and safety guarantees,
• insurance coverage
• an opportunity to enter the labor market, gain new knowledge and professional experience.

The following are provided for organizations established by law,:

• the right to use the work of volunteers in addition to their employees,
• establishment of certain tax benefits in terms of reimbursement of expenses (only in terms of the minimum amounts of business trip expenses, which are clearly defined by the RA legislation),
• the ability to quickly involve a large number of people (volunteers) in emergency situations,
• settlement of disputes by court order and exemption from state duties in that regard.

The sample form of the “Volunteer Work” contract in Armenian language is available at the following link: urlshortener.at/zIOQS