Baku, September 23, 2025
For many Azerbaijanis with disabilities, finding work remains an uphill struggle, hindered by inaccessible infrastructure, limited education, and employer bias. Experts say change requires not just laws but enforcement, incentives, and a shift in attitudes.
Nearly 455,000 adults live with disabilities in Azerbaijan. The state has introduced quotas and fines for employers who ignore them, and created an online portal for selling handmade goods with simplified tax rules. Recent amendments also opened new opportunities in cultural and healthcare institutions.
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Still, many remain excluded. Ahmad Rahmanov of the “Independent Trade Union” says employers often prefer to pay fines rather than retrofit workplaces, while labor inspections rarely monitor compliance. Vulnerable citizens also struggle to afford mediation or legal aid when denied jobs.
Aydin Khalilov of the “Center for Independent Living”, speaking to Kaspiy newspaper, calls for a framework for “social business,” along with tax breaks for inclusive companies and state-funded workplace adjustments. He warns that poor-quality schooling and lack of accessible transport further block opportunities.
Experts argue only a comprehensive approach – combining stronger enforcement, infrastructure investment, educational reforms, and support for social enterprises — can make equal employment a reality for Azerbaijanis with disabilities.
