Fund records progress, but employers must take greater responsibility

(Patria) - At yesterday's session of the House of Representatives of the Parliament of the Federation of BiH, the reports of the Fund for Professional Rehabilitation and Employment of Persons with Disabilities for 2023 and 2024 were adopted. In addition to these, the Parliament also adopted the reports of the Fund's Management Board and Supervisory Board, as well as the Report on the Execution of the Financial Plan.

Before adoption, the reports were considered by the competent parliamentary bodies - the Committee on Labor and Social Policy and the Committee on Economic and Financial Policy.

The Fund's Director, Ahmet Baljić, emphasized that the Fund fully realized its planned activities during the reporting period. "Key measures included issuing public calls with incentives for new employment of persons with disabilities, implementing programs for maintaining employment, professional rehabilitation, and employment development in organizations of persons with disabilities," Baljić stated.

The Fund's results confirm its efficiency in working with beneficiaries.

"We processed over 8,000 applications within legal deadlines, and reimbursements were paid within 15 days of submitting the applications. We responded to all requests from organizations of persons with disabilities and provided them with the necessary support," he added.

However, Baljić warns of long-term systemic challenges.

"Even after 15 years since the law was passed, effective control of employers' compliance with legal obligations still does not exist. The labor market shows little interest in employing persons with disabilities, even with increased incentives. Socially irresponsible employers still do not employ persons with disabilities or fulfill their legal obligations to pay contributions. Persons with disabilities often find refuge in organizations and sheltered workshops.

The non-implementation of the law regarding the control of the payment of special contributions is no longer a legal issue, but a matter of social responsibility of employers," Baljić warned.

He added that a legal solution needs to be found urgently, as otherwise, the pressure of reimbursements could jeopardize the maintenance of the existing level of employment.

"I take this opportunity to invite you to adopt a new law on professional rehabilitation, which would resolve this issue in a systemic way and ensure the long-term stability of employment for persons with disabilities," Baljić concluded.