Lukashenka orders to squeeze Belarusian guest workers

The authorities will tighten grip on Belarusians, who work abroad.

Alyaksandr Lukashenka said the state was not interested in unorganized drain of Belarusian construction workers abroad and offered some ways to prevent it.

“We are not interested in this. We must tell these “job hoppers”: you went to another state to earn money and you do not bring money to our country. OK, go. But firstly: your family will pay 100% cost of utility bills. You pay for you medical care, but only yours, it does not concern your family and children,” Lukashenka said as he visited a construction site in Minsk’s city district No5 on June 15, Interfax reports.

“You do not bear social burden, you do not help the state. So, pay for utilities and medical care. In this case, one should think twice whether he should go or not,” Lukashenka said. “He broke his leg there, he got his head injured there, but we treat him here for free. He pays only 22-25% of utility cost, not 100%. Pay, if you earn money,” he emphasized. “We, who remain here, pay taxes, maintain health care system, pay utility bills,” the dictator said. “We do not forbid going to work abroad, but you must pay here,” he added.

Lukashenka told the governmental officials: “Do it immediately starting from the second half of the year.”

The dictator also says that people who live in Minsk should solve housing problems for their own cost, without the help from the state.

According to him, “Minsk is a peculiar city for us. We need to be careful with this peculiarity.” “The problem is acute, because everyone wants to live in Minsk,” he said.

Lukashenka does not rule out that dwelling construction will be limited in Minsk. “People may have preferences and must be encouraged to go where workforce is needed,” the so called president said. According to him, “We should base on the principles, on which the world lives, and give preferences to those who need them”.