Belarus to lift two-year moratorium on inspections of foreign representative offices

November 18, BPN. Belarusian authorities plan to lift a moratorium on inspections of foreign entities’ representative offices for two years after their opening in Belarus, as follows from the amendments to Edict No. 510 dated October 16, 2009.

The public discussion of amendments is open until November 25.

Authorities reasoned that foreign entities set up representative offices in Belarus after a period of operation in their home countries. Authorities also fear that foreign entities may carry on activities through a representative office or a permanent establishment and close it before the expiration of the two-year period.

Authorities are planning to inspect “foreign organizations” and “foreign individual entrepreneurs,” as well as any forms of their presence in Belarus.

The amendments provide for unscheduled inspections in cases when authorities have information on threats or harm to life, health, property, environment, national security, historical and cultural heritage, and in cases of failure to eliminate violations.

Government agencies intend to monitor closely the receipt, distribution, and use of foreign donations and tighten control over the activities of organizations that offer programs involving children’s recuperation abroad.