Work In Belarus: Opportunities For Indians

Indian citizens are required to obtain a visa to enter Belarus. However, they can enter and stay in the country for up to 30 days without a visa if they fulfil certain conditions. These include having a valid ordinary passport, proof of financial means, a valid multiple-entry visa from a European Union or Schengen Area member state, and a medical insurance policy with coverage of at least €10,000. Additionally, they must enter and exit Belarus through the Minsk National Airport. To work in Belarus, foreign employees, including Indians, need a work permit.

Visa requirements for Indian citizens

Indian citizens require a visa to enter Belarus. The type of visa required depends on the purpose and duration of the visit. Here are the visa requirements for Indian citizens planning to travel to Belarus:

Visa-Free Entry:

Indian citizens can enter Belarus without a visa for a stay of up to 30 days under certain conditions. This visa-free entry is applicable only when entering Belarus through the Minsk National Airport and does not extend to those coming from or departing to the airports in the Russian Federation (Moscow). To qualify for visa-free entry, Indian nationals must meet the following requirements:

• Hold a valid ordinary passport for travelling abroad.
• Possess financial means of at least 25 Euros (or equivalent in other accepted currencies) for each day of their stay.
• Have valid medical insurance with coverage of at least 10,000 Euros for the territory of Belarus. This insurance can be provided by Indian companies or purchased at the Minsk Airport upon arrival.
• Hold a valid multiple-entry visa from a European Union or Schengen Area member state with a border entry stamp, indicating that the visa has been used at least once before.
• Present flight tickets confirming departure from Minsk National Airport within 30 days of entry.

Obtaining a Visa:

If Indian citizens intend to stay in Belarus for longer than 30 days or do not meet the conditions for visa-free entry, they must obtain a visa. The process and requirements for obtaining a Belarusian visa are as follows:

• Schedule an appointment by sending an email to the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus in the Republic of India at [email protected]. Provide details such as the purpose of the visit, duration of stay, name of the inviting company or person, and permanent address in India.
• Complete the visa application form in English, Russian, or Belarusian, ensuring all answers are consistent and accurate. The form must be signed by the applicant personally or their legal representative for minors.
• Submit the duly completed visa application form, along with one recent colour photograph meeting the specified requirements, and the original passport, which must be valid for at least 90 days after the expected departure from Belarus.
• Provide supporting documents, including visa support documents (visa-invitation), a copy of the obligatory health insurance certificate, hotel booking confirmation or proof of private accommodation, and a personal bank account statement for the last three months or a pay slip.
• Pay the visa fee, which is 60 Euros for regular processing and 120 Euros for urgent visas. The fee must be paid in Indian Rupees through the specified bank, and the exact amount requested should be paid.
• Allow for processing time, which is typically 5 days for standard applications and within 48 hours for express processing (with an additional fee).

It is important to note that the visa requirements and processes may change, so it is recommended to refer to the official website of the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus in the Republic of India for the most up-to-date information.

Work permits for Belarus

Indian citizens can enter Belarus without a visa for up to 30 days, but they must exit the country through Minsk National Airport. They must also meet the following requirements:

• Possess a valid ordinary passport for travelling abroad.
• Have financial means of at least 25 Euros (or the equivalent in dollars or Belarusian rubles) for each day of their stay.
• Have medical insurance with coverage for at least 10,000 Euros that covers their stay in Belarus. This can be provided by Indian companies or bought at Minsk Airport upon arrival.
• Hold a valid (non-expired) multiple-entry visa from a European Union or Schengen Area member state with the relevant border entry stamp.
• Hold flight tickets with confirmation of departure from Minsk National Airport within 30 days of entry.

If Indian citizens wish to stay in Belarus for longer than 30 days, they will need to obtain a Type D visa for long-term stays. To obtain this visa, they will need to submit the following documents:

• A completed visa application form.
• A passport photo taken within the last six months.
• A valid passport that contains a photo, has a minimum of two blank pages, and is valid for at least 90 days after the applicant intends to depart from Belarus.
• Proof of medical insurance.
• A certified copy of the applicant's work permit.
• Proof of payment for the visa fee.

In addition, if an Indian citizen plans to work in Belarus, they will need to obtain a "Special work permit in the Republic of Belarus". This permit must be obtained by the employer, who should submit the application to the Department of Internal Affairs, along with a copy of the prospective employee's passport and proof of payment for the processing fee. The processing time for a work permit is approximately 15 days, and the permit is typically issued for one year. However, highly qualified employees may be eligible for a permit that is valid for two years.

Teaching English in Belarus

Requirements

To teach English in Belarus, you will need to meet certain requirements set by schools and language centers. Here are the key requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree: Most schools prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in any field. While a degree in education, linguistics, or English is advantageous, it is not always mandatory. Extensive teaching experience may compensate for the lack of a degree in some cases.
• Teaching Qualification: A TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language), TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults), or DELTA (Diploma in English Language Teaching to Adults) certification is highly recommended. Some schools may require these as a prerequisite, as they provide essential skills for classroom management and language instruction.
• Work Visa: As an Indian citizen, you will need a valid work visa to legally teach in Belarus. Your employer will typically assist you with the work visa application process.
• English Proficiency: Although native English speakers are often preferred, it is not a requirement. Non-native speakers with a high level of English proficiency, both spoken and written, can find teaching positions if they can effectively communicate with students.
• Teaching Experience: Prior teaching experience is advantageous but not always necessary. Some schools are willing to hire candidates without experience, especially if they hold relevant certifications like TEFL or CELTA. However, candidates with prior experience may have better chances for more competitive roles.

Salary and Benefits

Belarus offers various opportunities for foreign English teachers, with salaries depending on the institution, location, and qualifications. Here is an overview of the salary ranges for different types of institutions:

• Public or Government Schools: 800 - 1,500 BYN ($300 - $560) per month.
• Private Language Schools: 1,200 - 2,000 BYN ($450 - $750) per month.
• International Schools: 2,500 - 4,500 BYN ($950 - $1,700) per month.
• Universities: 1,000 - 2,000 BYN ($380 - $750) per month.

Places to Teach

Belarus offers a variety of destinations for teaching English, from the bustling capital of Minsk to the peaceful landscapes of smaller cities and towns. Here are some of the best places to consider:

• Minsk: Minsk is the heart of Belarus's educational and cultural life, with numerous language schools, universities, and international companies. It offers a mix of modern architecture and historical landmarks, providing teachers with a dynamic environment.
• Brest: Located near the Polish border, Brest is a city rich in history and charm. It has a growing demand for English education and provides a quieter lifestyle with easy access to urban amenities.
• Vitebsk: Known as the cultural capital of Belarus, Vitebsk offers a more artistic and tranquil environment. It attracts students interested in languages and cultural studies, making it ideal for teachers who want to be part of a community that values arts and education.
• Grodno: Grodno is a picturesque city near the borders of Poland and Lithuania, blending historical significance with modern development. English teachers in Grodno can work in schools that focus on language proficiency and cross-cultural exchange.
• Gomel: As the second-largest city in Belarus, Gomel has a robust demand for English education. It offers diverse teaching opportunities in public schools, universities, and language centers, along with beautiful parks and historical sites.

Belarusian Culture

Understanding Belarusian culture, traditions, social norms, and etiquette will greatly enhance your experience as an English teacher in Belarus. Here are some key aspects to be aware of:

• Greetings and Social Etiquette: Greetings are typically formal, with a firm handshake and eye contact. Respect for elders and those in higher positions is important in Belarusian culture, and students generally display respectful and well-behaved manners in the classroom.
• Communication and Respect: Belarusians tend to be reserved in public or formal settings. Direct communication is valued but always delivered politely. Criticism should be given in private to avoid causing embarrassment.
• Family Values: Belarusian society places a strong emphasis on family values and close-knit communities. Students often have strong connections to their families, providing a good way for teachers to build rapport.
• Public Conduct: Public displays of affection are generally minimal in Belarus, reflecting the modest and formal nature of society. Physical space is respected, and overly familiar gestures may be considered inappropriate in professional settings.
• National Pride and Religion: Belarusians take great pride in their history and heritage, and it is important to approach discussions about local traditions and national history with respect and sensitivity. Belarus is predominantly Orthodox Christian, with religious observances influencing public holidays and local customs.

Visa-free Entry for Indians

It is important to note that Indian citizens can enter Belarus visa-free for up to 30 days through Minsk National Airport. However, this option requires a valid ordinary passport, financial means of at least 25 Euros per day, medical insurance with coverage of at least 10,000 Euros, a valid multiple-entry visa of a European Union or Schengen Area member state, and flight tickets confirming departure from Minsk within 30 days.

Applying for a job in Belarus

Visa

Indian citizens can enter Belarus without a visa for up to 30 days. To do so, you must enter and exit through Minsk National Airport and have the following:

• A valid ordinary passport for travelling abroad.
• At least 25 Euros (or the equivalent in US dollars or Belarusian rubles) for each day of your stay.
• Medical insurance (provided by Indian companies or bought at Minsk Airport on arrival) with coverage for at least 10,000 Euros.
• A valid multiple-entry visa for a European Union or Schengen Area member state, bearing the EU or Schengen Area border entry stamp.
• Flight tickets with confirmation of departure from Minsk National Airport within 30 days of entry.

If you plan to stay longer than 30 days, you will need to apply for a visa. To do so, you must first book an appointment by emailing [email protected]. In your request, you must specify:

• Your purpose of visit.
• Your period of stay.
• The name of the inviting company or person.
• Your permanent address in India.

You will then be given a date and time slot for your visa application submission. The application form should be filled out in English or Russian/Belarusian in block capitals, and you must provide a colour photograph. The form must be signed by the applicant personally.

Job Search

There are a number of online job boards detailing open positions in Belarus. Although the response rate is not high, they are worth a look, especially if you work outside of the education or political sector and if you don’t plan on working in Belarus’s capital, Minsk.

Demand for English teachers in the country is high, and there are a few agencies that specialize in providing English teachers to Belarusian schools. If you are a qualified teacher, the services these companies provide are well worth looking into. There are also a number of online services matching teachers with vacancies, just be sure to consult the TEFL website and know your worth before accepting a role.

Work Permit

Foreign employees need a working permit in Belarus, including employees from the CIS, except for Russia. According to the law, to go to work in Belarus, a foreigner must obtain a special permit for the right to engage in labour activities in the Republic of Belarus. Special permits are issued at the request of the employer in the name of a specific foreign citizen. In their statement, the employer must justify the need to attract a foreigner to the vacancy and indicate what measures they have taken to search for Belarusian citizens for the job.

Belarus's economy and industries

Belarus has a mixed, upper-middle-income economy, which is heavily reliant on state control and full employment. It is the 74th-largest economy in the world by GDP and has a very low infant mortality rate, a high literacy rate, and a low Gini coefficient (inequality indicator).

The country's economy is export-oriented, with a focus on manufacturing, services, and agriculture. In 2020, industry accounted for 25.5% of the country's GDP, with manufacturing (excluding mining, energy, and water supply) making up 21.3% in 2019. The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe has described Belarus as having "a well-developed industrial sector and highly skilled workforce".

The main industries in Belarus include:

• Food industry: This is the most important sector, contributing 29.9% of the total manufacturing output.
• Chemical industry: This includes oil refining, petrochemistry, and the manufacturing of fertilizers and other chemical goods.
• Automotive industry: This includes the production of heavy trucks, military trucks, public transport buses, and industrial vehicles with wheels.
• Machinery equipment: This covers machinery and equipment not included in other groups, such as tractors, metal-cutting machine tools, and agricultural equipment.
• Metallurgy and metal products: Byelorussian Steel Works (BMZ) is the biggest factory in this sector, with other significant factories including Mogilev ironworks and Rechytsa hardware plant.
• Electrical appliances, communication products, and electronics: Two major manufacturers, Horizont and Atlant, produce household appliances, while several smaller factories produce kitchen appliances and electrical motors.
• Timber and paper products: This sector is well-developed due to the abundance of Belarusian forests, with the biggest woodworking and wooden furniture producer being Pinskdrev in Pinsk.
• Cement production: While Belarus previously imported much of its cement, it now has three cement plants, with the most recent one in Vawkavysk District being partially privatized.

Belarus has faced economic struggles similar to other post-Soviet nations, opting for a 'market socialism' approach to achieve growth. The country has experienced setbacks due to the global financial crisis and political unrest, but its economy is improving. Belarus has also been impacted by sanctions imposed by the EU, US, and other countries following disputed elections.

The main trading partners of Belarus are Russia, Ukraine, Poland, and Germany.

Frequently asked questions