On 27 September 2020, pursuant to a Presidential Decree, martial law was declared in the Republic of Azerbaijan for an indefinite period of time with effect from 28 September.

There is no precise regulation of how this declaration affects businesses, i.e., civil law transactions, employment, etc. The extent of effect, if any, i.e., whether the declaration excuses performance due to the circumstance regarded a force majeure and/or significant change of circumstances, of the declaration on a course of business must be determined in each particular circumstance.

Additionally, the President has announced a partial mobilisation. Employers are generally required to continue to maintain prevalent employment conditions of employees called into a service.

Finally, during the martial law period, a curfew applies from 21:00 until 6:00 every day.

During the curfew, it is prohibited to be on the streets and in other public places without special permits and identity documents.

Operations in the following areas, among others, during the curfew are permitted:

  • healthcare
  • infrastructure (utilities, telecommunication)
  • logistics and transportation (including public transportation)
  • production (equipment, manufacturing, food, oil and gas, etc.)
  • petrol stations
  • collection and utilisation of household waste
  • mass media – activities of educational institutions
  • activities required to ensure the protection and technical safety of private legal entities that are not allowed to operate.

Breach of the curfew is an administrative offence punishable by a warning or a fine of AZN50. Moreover, if a person is on the streets and other public places during the curfew:

  • without a special permit, such person may be detained administratively until the end of the curfew term; or
  • without identity documents, such a person may be detained administratively until his/her identity is determined.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.