The current unemployment rate of Argentina was 8.8 percent in July 2009, as provided by the Insituto Nacional Estadist. The highest rate of unemployment is predominantly in urban areas.
Statistics show that since 2007, the unemployment rate has not fallen below 7%.
As a country of migrants, most work is found in agriculture and domestic services. Migrants are considered a threat to Argentineans in terms of the competition for jobs.
Employers are required by law to register employees for taxation and security purposes. Both employers and employees are fined if workers are caught working illegally. Fines range from AR$80 to AR$287,750 for companies caught violating the law.
Working Permit
Foreigners with the intention of working need a visa to relocate to Argentina. The application for a working visa is made through the National Directorate of Migration (Dirección Nacional de Migraciones); usually the Argentinean employers will submit the application.
After arriving in Argentina, expats are required to apply for a National Identity Document (DNI or Documento Nacional de Identidad) and a Unique Code for Work Identification (CUIL or Clave Único de Identificación Laboral).
The DNI is equivalent to a social security number in the US. It is imperative that you register within 90 days with the Registro Nacional de las Personas in your local area, or you can visit their website. http://www.registrocivil.gov.ar/areas/registrocivil/?menu_id=10
CUIL is a code for individual taxation used by Argentinean employers to withhold tax. You can apply online using the Administración Nacional de la Seguridad Social (ANSES) website http://www.anses.gov.ar/. To apply in person you can go to any ANSES office or you can call their customer service (or Unidades de Atención Telefonica [UDAT]) for documents to be sent through mail.
Working Conditions
The legal working time is eight hours per day and 48 hours a week. Work is not permitted on a Saturday afternoon or Sunday.
Children are allowed to work for six hours per day if they are between 15 and 18 years old. Over the age of 18, workers receive the minimum wage rate.
Like in many countries, workers are entitled to a bonus, Aguinaldo, every year. It is equivalent to a month's pay and is based on an annual average salary and paid in the middle and at the end of the year.
Wages/Salary
As evidenced by the economic meltdown, the salaries in Argentina fell in the early 2000's, but in 2008 the wages increased by 27 percent as negotiated between the labor unions, industry leaders and the government.
How to find a job in Argentina
Foreigners willing to work in Argentina should be prepared to receive Argentinean wages, which are notably low when compared to the US and Europe.
One of the easiest tools to search for a job in Argentina is through the internet. There are also numerous recruitment agencies that are active in Argentina. Checking ads from newspaper and magazines can be advantageous. There are also newspapers aimed at expats (Buenos Aires Herald).
Speculative applications are a common practice in Argentina. Sending your resume online or through the post can give you a chance of being considered. Thorough research is needed so that you send the application to the correct person. This type of application can also be sent through the national Chambers of Commerce.
Expats looking for a better wage should check out the multinational companies located in Argentina.
Social Security
As part of the Argentinean social security system, you can apply for unemployment benefit if you lose your job. You should make an application within 90 days from the date of termination. The amount payable is 41.5 percent of the highest monthly wage paid in the previous six months. The benefit amount will never be less than AR$150 monthly or higher than AR$300. Calculations are based on the total length of time you have been employed.
More Expat Resources
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