ANALYSIS
Rapid Legal Change Continues
From the beginning of the year until the official announcement of elections on March 5th, 2014, the Macedonian
Parliament managed to adopt changes to more than 140 laws using the short or urgent procedure. Even though
the amendments refer to laws in different areas and only some of them affect the business community, this
would additionally burden companies regardless of their size.
Tighter Deadlines Introduced for Foreigner Visa and
Work Permit Processing
The State Market Inspectorate to
Undergo Much Needed Reforms
Although in December last year, a law firm was engaged to do
a comprehensive analysis and give their recommendations to
amend and simplify the procedure for work and employment
of foreigners, the Government decided to modify the existing legal solution in order to increase ESA’s responsiveness,
as one of the main institutions involved in this process. With
the new changes, within 5 working days from the date of submission of complete application, the Employment Agency is
responsible to:
In accordance with its responsibilities, the
State Market Inspectorate (SMI) is considered one of the main institutions responsible, among other important things, for
protection of intellectual property rights.
Unfortunately, lack of personnel, technical
equipment and clearly defined legal framework are the main remarks to SMI’s work
in this area. With the latest amendments,
defining strict selection criteria for the director of the institution, employment and
further promotion of employees, this institution will be completely reformed. With
these changes and the establishment of
the inspection council (government body
responsible for coordinating the work of
all inspectorates) is expected to strengthen SMI’s capacity to effectively carry out
their responsibilities.
• Issue work permits;
• Extend work permits;
• Revoke work permits and issue certificates.
While this change is welcomed, given that the old deadlines
of 45 days contributed greatly to this lengthy and opaque process, there is still much work to be done to ensure the timely, consistent, efficient and professional administration of this
important process for international companies working in the
country.
New Tax Introduced to Fund Local
Filmmaking
The Macedonian Film Industry Law was recently amended to introduce a tax of 1%
on the income of companies that rebroadcast television programs (e.g., cable operators, Internet protocol television providers,
satellite TV providers) as well as to internet
service providers. The taxes collected will
go to the State-run Macedonian Film Agency (www.filmfund.gov.mk). It is still unclear
whether the tax will apply to total company gross revenues or only to those revenues
generated by the above-named activities.
Emerging Macedonia Spring 2014 Issue 41
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