The Government of the Slovak Republic approved an amendment to the Act on Employment Services submitted by the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Family. It will simplify access to the labour market, especially for third-country nationals.

Key changes adopted as part of the amendment include:

• cancellation of the requirement that third-country nationals be employed only in districts with an unemployment rate below 5%;
• cancellation of the labour market test requirement for those renewing a residence permit for the purpose of employment (for the same job and the same employer). Now, an employer must report the vacancy to the Office of Labour on the day the foreigner's application for renewal of temporary residence is submitted (rather than 20 days prior, as previously required);
• permission for foreigners to continue working while renewal of their permit is considered.

These changes will facilitate continuity in the workforce, which is especially beneficial for professions for which qualified workers are in short supply in Slovakia (in the health sector, for example).

The amendment will come into force from 1 January 2023.