Page 74 - Azerbaijan State University of Economics

THE JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC SCIENCES: THEORY AND PRACTICE, V.81, # 2, 2024, pp. 60-83

From figure (03), it can be said that Algerian freelancers’ engagement with Arab
freelance platforms is very low. In contrast, they are more inclined to showcase their
work through prominent international platforms, especially Freelance, which alone
contains 4,069 freelance job postings for Algerians (see table 02). Writing and
translation are the most frequently offered activities by Algerian freelancers on an
international level, followed by design and graphics, then programming, IT services,
and artificial intelligence activities. Consulting and business activities rank fourth.
This ranking does not differ significantly from the order of freelance job postings at
the local level and largely aligns with international job market trends and new
activities generating the highest profits globally.

The number of Algerian freelancers registered on local and international freelance
platforms, or those not registered, all fall within the informal labor sector in the
country, providing services in exchange for income that is not declared to the relevant
tax authorities. As a result, they significantly contribute to the expansion of the
informal economy in the country. For instance, it is noted that 220 Algerian
freelancers registered on the global Upwork platform earn considerable amounts,
potentially exceeding $10,000 for their offered services, while more than 648
freelancers earn over $1,000 on the same platform, as shown in table (06).

Table (06): Earnings of Algerian freelancers on the Upwork platform
Value of gains +100$ +1000$ +10000$
Number of freelancers 1178 648 220
Source: (Upwork.com).

The extent to which the Algerian self-employed contractor law can accommodate
freelance and self-employment activities
Although the basic law for the self-employed contractor was published in the Official
Gazette in December 2022, its actual implementation began on January 20, 2024, with
the launch of the electronic platform by the National Agency for Self-employed
Contractors. This platform marked the beginning of the registration process for
individuals wishing to acquire the status of a self-employed contractor, benefit from
the advantages granted to them, and obtain the self-employed contractor card, which
is valid for five years and renewable. This law will allow the inclusion of the largest
possible number of freelancers in the formal sector by incorporating freelance
activities into the list of activities eligible for the self-employed contractor law.

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