Belarus Offers Free Driving Lessons and Business Grants to the Unemployed

Belarus Launches Initiative to Aid Unemployed with Free Driving Lessons and Business Subsidies The Belarusian government has recently announced a new program designed to assist unemployed citizens in finding employment. The initiative offers free driving lessons, including training for agricultural machinery operation, to help individuals gain valuable skills and increase their job prospects. In addition to driving lessons, the program provides financial subsidies of up to 9,000 rubles to support the creation of small businesses, either as individual entrepreneurs (IP) or freelancers. The subsidies are intended to stimulate entrepreneurship and provide a pathway to self-employment. "This program is designed to help unemployed people find work quickly, especially in the agricultural sector," explained a government spokesperson. The spokesperson further clarified that the subsidies are non-repayable provided the business remains operational for at least nine months. This provision is intended to ensure the program's effectiveness and prevent misuse of funds. The program's application process is streamlined, with applications reviewed and processed within ten days. While the initiative has been met with some enthusiasm, questions remain about the program's long-term impact and sustainability. Further investigation is needed to assess the program's effectiveness in reducing unemployment and fostering economic growth in Belarus. The government's commitment to supporting its citizens through such initiatives is a positive step towards addressing unemployment and promoting economic opportunities.