Highly Qualified Specialists’ Salary Due on Monthly Basis

A new law requires employers to pay the minimum salary level for Highly Qualified Specialists (HQS) on a monthly basis rather than an annual cumulative total, starting April 24. The law also requires employers of HQS workers who take unpaid leave during their assignment to pay out the employee’s missed salary within the same reporting period. 

HQS workers' monthly salaries must be at least the following amounts, depending on employer type:

• 83,500 rubles per month for HQS workers who must earn at least 1 million rubles per year;
• 58,500 rubles per month for HQS workers who must earn at least 700,000 rubles per year; or
• 167,000 rubles per month for HQS workers who must earn at least 2 million rubles per year.

Complying with Salary Requirements After Unpaid Leave 

The law requires employers of HQS workers who take unpaid or partial leave during their assignment to pay out the employee’s missed salary within the same reporting period. Violating this provision can result in bans on hiring HQS workers for up to two years. 

What This Means for Employers 

Employers that pay HQS workers on a non-monthly basis should alter their payment schedules to comply with the new law. 

Employers of HQS workers who take sick, maternity, or other unpaid leave should ensure they pay out any missed salary within the same reporting period to avoid penalties. 

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].

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