The government has adopted a resolution amending the resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 78 dated January 31, 2001.

The act pertains to pedagogical research and teaching staff working outside Ukraine. Implementation of the resolution will allow the time spent by these employees in their respective positions abroad to be included in their teaching experience to pay bonuses for years of service. This applies to the period from February 24, 2022, until the termination or lifting of martial law and within one year after the termination or lifting of martial law.

The draft resolution was created because millions of Ukrainians have been forced to leave their homes and workplaces since the Russian invasion. Teachers are among them.

Right now, they are trying to find work abroad. With the help of the diaspora, they are opening schools there and helping children stay in touch with Ukraine.

If they work as teachers abroad, their time there is only counted as work experience for bonuses if there is an international agreement. But there are countries without such an agreement.

Consequently, upon returning from such countries to Ukraine, employees in educational institutions in positions such as pedagogical, scientific, and pedagogical workers were not always granted credit for their work in the relevant positions abroad.

In light of these concerns, a resolution was initiated to safeguard the rights and guarantees of these citizens. Going forward, the length of service for the payment of longevity bonuses will be calculated without regard to the existence of international agreements or treaties.

The amendments were developed following meetings on the concerns of Ukrainians abroad, chaired by Vice Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk.