Contracts Awarded to Beneficiaries Who Met Conditions of Public Calls for Financial Incentives for (Self-)Employment

(Patria) - Contracts were awarded today in Sarajevo to beneficiaries who met the conditions of public calls by the Fund for Professional Rehabilitation and Employment of Persons with Disabilities.

The contracts cover the preservation of existing and creation of new jobs, implementation of professional rehabilitation, and the allocation of financial incentives for employment and self-employment.

Approximately 16 million KM has been allocated for these purposes, directly encouraging greater inclusion of persons with disabilities in the labour market. A total of 2,427 persons with disabilities have been supported through 598 approved programmes.

Prime Minister of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Nermin Nikšić said on this occasion that the results are extremely encouraging.

- The number of employed persons with disabilities increased by 20% compared to the previous year. These are 382 people who will get a job, 382 new opportunities for independence, dignity and active participation in society - Nikšić pointed out.



He called on employers not to view the employment of persons with disabilities as a mere legal obligation, but as an opportunity to recognise their potential and value in work collectives.

Federal Minister of Labour and Social Policy Adnan Delić announced that amendments to the Law on Professional Rehabilitation and Employment of Persons with Disabilities have been completed and submitted for mandatory opinions to the competent institutions.

- We expect to soon enter the second round of parliamentary procedure. We worked inclusively and took into account all proposals aimed at improving the system and better solutions for persons with disabilities and employers - Delić stated.

He also emphasised that over the past two years, the budget for increasing benefits for persons with disabilities has been increased by more than 150 million KM compared to the earlier period.



Director of the Fund Ahmet Baljić thanked the beneficiaries, employers and partners for their cooperation and trust.

- Thank you to the beneficiaries for their courage and perseverance, and to the employers for recognising the value of every individual and opening doors to inclusion. These programmes bring multiple benefits to both companies and the community - Baljić said.

He particularly noted that the 20% growth in employment confirms that the Fund's continuous work on the promotion and visibility of public calls is clearly and measurably reflected in the results.

Nikolina Sivrić, owner of the craft business Sobe Zemo from Čitluk, said that this contract means much more to her than a formal document.

- This is a confirmation of trust and an opportunity that carries great value. The Fund helps not only in creating new jobs, but also in launching first independent activities, giving persons with disabilities a chance to realise their full potential - Sivrić said.



Executive Director of the Association of Dystrophy Patients of Sarajevo Canton Almir Šahmanija pointed out that these programmes have a strong developmental character.

- These are not social measures, but instruments of economic growth and strengthening of the workforce. They enable persons with disabilities to acquire skills, find their place in the labour market and live with dignity from their own work - Šahmanija added.