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According to official data, the number of registered working minors in the Republic of Armenia (RA) in 2024 exceeds 5,000. However, experts in the field emphasize that this figure does not reflect the full picture. Many children are involved in domestic or agricultural labor without official registration, and professionals note that numerous cases of shadow child labor and exploitation remain unrecorded. To safeguard the rights of minors, it is essential to clarify certain legal provisions that help prevent the violation of children’s labor rights.

Although the employment of minors is relatively common in Armenia, it remains challenging for them to find suitable positions in the labor market. The range of available jobs is often limited and lacks diversity, offering few opportunities for professional or personal development.

Legal Regulations

Employment contracts for minors under the age of fourteen may be concluded only with the consent of their parents, adoptive parents, or legal guardians.

Minors aged fourteen to eighteen, without the consent of their parents or guardians, have the right to:

1. Dispose of their own wages;
2. Exercise the rights of the author of a scientific, literary, or artistic work, invention, or other legally protected intellectual property;
3. Make deposits in credit institutions and manage them in accordance with the law;
4. Conclude small household transactions.

A minor who has reached the age of sixteen may be recognized as fully capable (emancipated) if they work under an employment contract or are engaged in entrepreneurial activity with the consent of their parents, adoptive parents, or guardians. Once recognized as fully capable, the minor may independently conclude an employment contract and manage their own income.

Emancipation is granted based on a decision of the guardianship and trusteeship body, with the consent of the parents or guardians. In the absence of such consent, it may be obtained through a court decision.

Working Hours of Minors

The Labor Code of the Republic of Armenia establishes reduced working hours for minors as follows:

• Under 7 years old: up to 2 hours per day and no more than 4 hours per week, outside school hours.
• Ages 7–12: up to 3 hours per day and no more than 6 hours per week, outside school hours.
• Ages 12–15: up to 4 hours per day and no more than 12 hours per week, outside school hours.
• Ages 15–16: up to 24 hours per week, outside school hours.
• Ages 16–18: up to 36 hours per week, outside school hours.
• Under 18 (in vocational or work-based learning programs): up to 4 hours per day and no more than 20 hours per week.

These regulations aim to ensure that minors’ employment does not interfere with their education, health, or overall development. It is important to raise public awareness about these rights to prevent child labor exploitation and to ensure that minors who work do so in safe, legal, and developmentally appropriate conditions.