Under the new Decree signed by President Ilham Aliyev, the Action Plan for the Implementation of the Employment Strategy for 2026–2030 sets out measures across six priority areas:

·         Implementing employment-oriented economic policies and supporting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs);

·         Improving the legal and institutional framework regulating the labour market;

·         Developing workforce skills and improving labour standards;

·         Expanding the coverage and effectiveness of active labour market programmes and strengthening labour market integration for people who need social protection and face difficulties in finding employment;

·         Promoting social dialogue and preventing informal employment;

·         Developing labour market monitoring and forecasting systems.

The Action Plan also envisages support for youth start-up initiatives in the regions and the creation of new mechanisms encouraging participants of the self-employment programme to develop into business entities.

During 2026–2030, measures will include expanding access to high-quality advisory services for SMEs to promote sustainable job creation, increasing the use of modern technologies in agriculture to improve labour productivity, and developing tourism infrastructure, particularly in rural areas.

In addition, a draft Law on Employers’ and Entrepreneurs’ Associations will be prepared, labour migration legislation will be improved, and a legal framework will be established for a new work-based learning mechanism, including apprenticeships and internships.

The Action Plan also provides for:

·         Expanding the digitalisation of employment services;

·         Introducing AI-based employment services;

·         Expanding the network of vocational training centres;

·         Developing flexible working-time models based on international best practices;

·         Creating an Electronic Atlas of Occupations information system;

·         Regularly updating occupational and qualification standards;

·         Improving vocational training programmes to equip workers with skills needed for the transition to a green economy;

·         Expanding the dual vocational education model;

·         Increasing the number of active labour market programmes for people who require social protection and face barriers to employment;

·         Organising online and hybrid training programmes for unemployed and job-seeking people, especially young people, in the regions;

·         Taking measures to formalise employment through the Unified Electronic Information System for Monitoring Informal Employment;

·         Supporting the employment of working-age graduates of state child care institutions;

·         Conducting periodic studies on graduates' transition from education to the labour market, along with other related measures.