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Direction Change: Armenian emigration may be turning from Russia to EU zone
SOCIETY | 24.05.13 | 11:05
Photolure
By NAIRA HAYRUMYAN
ArmeniaNow correspondent
While Armenia is trying to establish ties with the European Union,
Russia is gradually tightening its immigration laws, and it is quite
possible that very soon emigrational outflows from Armenia will be
changing their direction.
Russia has adopted a law according to which migrants from former
Soviet countries beginning on January 1, 2015 will be required to
enter the country only with so-called `foreign' passports (as opposed
to internal passports used within their own countries). They will be
met at stations by immigration officials and will have to get
registrations at immigration centers. At present, Armenia and Russia
have a visa-free regime.
The Russian government explains this decision by the high level of
crime among immigrants from post-Soviet countries and the need to
reduce the flow of migrants. At the same time, Russian President
Vladimir Putin instructed immigration officials not to obstruct the
entry of skilled professionals to the country.
In addition, Russia is going to pass a law, according to which young
male migrants will have to serve in the Russian army, even if they
already served in the armies of their countries. This law is certain
to deter many young Armenians from going to Russia.
Meanwhile, Armenia intends to sign an Association Agreement with the
European Union, which implies simplification of the visa regime. One
related act was already signed by Armenia and the EU in December, but
it has not yet been ratified by the European Parliament. As European
experts say, there is a risk of a sharp increase in the number of
Armenian migrants after the enactment of the agreement.
At present, more than 90 percent of migrant workers from Armenia
prefer going to Russia. About 85 percent of transfers in Armenia are
also received from Russia, which provides almost a third of the
consumer turnover in Armenia.
Among those who go for work to Russia are mainly people who are ready
to engage in construction, do unskilled work not always in very good
conditions. Professionals in the field of information and other
technologies choose to go to the United States. Students, as well as
multi-lingual professionals try to get to Europe.
Emigration is becoming a major problem for Armenia, although Armenian
authorities say that people thus have found a good way to support
their families. However, many who go abroad, particularly to the West,
no more want to come back, which affects family ties and changes
destinies of people.
Observers say Armenia itself should be interested in signing an
agreement with Russia on the regulation of migration. Meanwhile, at
present Yerevan appears to prefer not to deal with issues of
emigration, leaving it all to the laws of the countries to where
Armenians emigrate in search of work, opportunities or justice.
SOCIETY | 24.05.13 | 11:05
Photolure
By NAIRA HAYRUMYAN
ArmeniaNow correspondent
While Armenia is trying to establish ties with the European Union,
Russia is gradually tightening its immigration laws, and it is quite
possible that very soon emigrational outflows from Armenia will be
changing their direction.
Russia has adopted a law according to which migrants from former
Soviet countries beginning on January 1, 2015 will be required to
enter the country only with so-called `foreign' passports (as opposed
to internal passports used within their own countries). They will be
met at stations by immigration officials and will have to get
registrations at immigration centers. At present, Armenia and Russia
have a visa-free regime.
The Russian government explains this decision by the high level of
crime among immigrants from post-Soviet countries and the need to
reduce the flow of migrants. At the same time, Russian President
Vladimir Putin instructed immigration officials not to obstruct the
entry of skilled professionals to the country.
In addition, Russia is going to pass a law, according to which young
male migrants will have to serve in the Russian army, even if they
already served in the armies of their countries. This law is certain
to deter many young Armenians from going to Russia.
Meanwhile, Armenia intends to sign an Association Agreement with the
European Union, which implies simplification of the visa regime. One
related act was already signed by Armenia and the EU in December, but
it has not yet been ratified by the European Parliament. As European
experts say, there is a risk of a sharp increase in the number of
Armenian migrants after the enactment of the agreement.
At present, more than 90 percent of migrant workers from Armenia
prefer going to Russia. About 85 percent of transfers in Armenia are
also received from Russia, which provides almost a third of the
consumer turnover in Armenia.
Among those who go for work to Russia are mainly people who are ready
to engage in construction, do unskilled work not always in very good
conditions. Professionals in the field of information and other
technologies choose to go to the United States. Students, as well as
multi-lingual professionals try to get to Europe.
Emigration is becoming a major problem for Armenia, although Armenian
authorities say that people thus have found a good way to support
their families. However, many who go abroad, particularly to the West,
no more want to come back, which affects family ties and changes
destinies of people.
Observers say Armenia itself should be interested in signing an
agreement with Russia on the regulation of migration. Meanwhile, at
present Yerevan appears to prefer not to deal with issues of
emigration, leaving it all to the laws of the countries to where
Armenians emigrate in search of work, opportunities or justice.