The National Council of Monaco has unanimously adopted a bill establishing a comprehensive framework for professional internships that both safeguards the rights of interns and sets out clear rules for businesses.
The passing of Bill No. 1095, which went before Monaco’s National Council on Wednesday 4th December, has established straightforward rules that regulate the internship process for higher education students in the Principality.
Key elements of the new law include: making internships an obligatory part of an academic programme; enforcing the need for a tripartite agreement involving the intern, the host organisation and the educational institution that formalises the responsibilities of all parties; and ensuring that interns who undertake internships lasting more than two months receive mandatory compensation, with a minimum set at 27% of the SMIC (minimum wage).
“The practice of professional internships is a vital step in the educational journey of students and young graduates,” said Christophe Robino, Monaco’s Minister of Social Affairs and Health. “To ensure a fair and enriching experience for interns while safeguarding the interests of businesses, it was deemed necessary to establish legislation with simple and clear rules.”
He added that the new legislation will “establish a legal and ethical framework that provides enhanced protection for interns while maximising the benefits for all parties involved”.
To further safeguard interns, Robino explained, Monaco’s Employment Service will ensure that interns are provided with social security coverage and civil liability insurance throughout their internship period.
Furthermore, in an effort to prevent the misuse and abuse of the internship system, the legislation prohibits organisations from using interns to replace absent employees, take on seasonal jobs or fill permanent roles. It also introduces limits on the number of interns allowed within a single company, depending on the size of the host organisation.
Incentives for businesses
Under the new law, host organisations may qualify for social charge exemptions if the intern’s compensation remains within a certain percentage of the SMIC. This percentage, Robino explained, is still to be determined by ministerial decree.
Ultimately, the new law reflects Monaco’s commitment to fostering high-quality educational and professional opportunities for its students, while promoting and ensuring ethical practices in the workplace.
The legislation does not apply to secondary school training programmes, which are regulated under Law 1334 of July 2007, nor to those in public administration. However, it does apply to higher education training offered in secondary schools, such as BTS programmes.
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Photo source: Monaco Communications Department