Legislative project on reduced contribution period for tourism unemployed through next year, inclusive

The minimum contribution period for qualified unemployed individuals in the hotel and tourism industry is set to be reduced to 8 months, following the restriction or cessation of activities by operators in the field during the state of emergency, according to a legislative project.

The initiative belongs to Pro Europa parliamentarians, who point out that companies with seasonal activities in tourism will no longer operate under normal conditions during the state of emergency established by the head of state due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

According to the project, the unemployed can benefit from unemployment indemnity if they cumulatively meet several conditions, one of which is to have a contribution period of at least 12 months in the last 24 months preceding the date of registration of the unemployment claim. 

Therefore, the project provides for the reduction of the minimum contribution period for this professional category. ”By way of derogation from the provisions of lit. a) para. I of art. 34 of Law 76/2002 on the unemployment insurance system and the stimulation of employment, for the unemployed who hold qualifications in professions specific to hotel and tourism activities provided for in art. 25 of GO no. 58/1998 on the organization and conduct of tourism activity in Romania, the contribution period is a minimum of 8 months in the last 24 months preceding the registration of the unemployment claim, for the year 2020 (minimum 6 months in 2019 + minimum 2 months in 2020) and the year 2021 (minimum 2 months in 2020 + minimum 6 months in 2021)”, is the provision in the draft law. To enter into force, the project must be approved by Parliament and promulgated by the head of state.