Ministry of Internal Affairs employees can hold two jobs under new government conditions
Employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MAI) will be permitted to engage in paid activities outside of their working hours—including in the private sector—provided that such activities do not create conflicts of interest. The Government supports the Ministry’s initiative; however, for the changes to take effect, Parliament must also approve them.
The draft regulation establishes different procedures depending on the nature of the additional activities.
"For some activities, providing written notification to the management will suffice, whereas for activities in the private sector, prior written consent from the employer will be required," stated the Minister of Internal Affairs, Daniella Misail-Nichitin, during the Cabinet meeting on October 28.
The new provisions aim to offer employees more opportunities to earn additional income, without compromising the operations of the institutions where they are employed. At the same time, authorities will be able to verify whether activities pursued during an employee's free time are compatible with their official position and do not hinder the fulfillment of their professional duties.
According to the draft, civil servants with special status within the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MAI) may engage in teaching, scientific, training, or creative activities, as well as medical practice. They may also participate in international research and innovation projects.
The institution's management will review each request to ensure that the additional activity does not impair the employee's ability to carry out their professional obligations. Additionally, the private entity in question must not fall under the oversight or jurisdiction of the authority where the applicant is employed.
The draft also maintains prohibitions against direct involvement in business operations. However, civil servants within the MAI may serve as founders or associates of a company, provided that the company's activities are unrelated to their official duties and do not give rise to conflicts of interest. The easing of certain restrictions does not mean abandoning the integrity rules that apply to the institution’s employees, the Minister pointed out.
"Through these amendments, we aim to provide employees with greater clarity regarding the activities they may engage in, and to make a career within the Ministry of Internal Affairs more attractive, while maintaining strict integrity standards and safeguarding the public interest," stated Daniella Misail-Nichitin.
The need to amend the law arose from an analysis of external activities undertaken by Ministry of Internal Affairs (MAI) employees. According to the explanatory memorandum, some individuals already engage in paid activities outside their official duties, primarily to earn additional income.
The analysis identified various types of activities, including those in agriculture, commerce, and the online sphere. The drafters of the proposal noted that current legislation does not always provide sufficiently clear rules for such situations, and that institutions lack a unified mechanism to determine in advance whether a specific activity is permitted.
Consequently, the amendments seek both to clarify the rights and obligations of employees and to enhance the appeal of a career within the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The authorities believe that the opportunity to utilize certain professional skills during one’s free time could also help address staff shortages.
The proposal was also developed in light of recommendations from the Group of States against Corruption (GRECO), which focus on preventing conflicts of interest and strengthening integrity mechanisms within law enforcement institutions. The amendments will enter into force six months after the law is published in the Official Gazette, following its adoption by Parliament.
