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REPORT: ARMENIAN POPULATION DECLINES
The rates of emigration from Armenia is terrifying. The brain drain
deprives the country of intellect that could be used to foster economic
growth. This information is included in the recent report on the survey
on the decline of the Armenian population, which was presented during
the International Conference on Demographic Challenges in Armenia
organized jointly by the UN FPA and the Ministry of Labor and Social
Affairs. Invited guests were Armenian researchers from Australia and
the United States.
Victor Aghadjanian of Arizona State University introduced the impact
of international migration on Armenian community households. Namely,
the survey in Tavush, Ararat and Gegharkunik found that migrant
families are less likely to engage in farming. There is no evidence
that rural migrant workers will earn money abroad and return to their
home to buy farming land and develop agriculture. In other words,
migrants do not invest money in Armenia.
Polls in the mentioned regions revealed that the wives of married
migrants are ready to leave Armenia with their children. Hence,
according to Victor Aghadjanian, migration tends to uproot the
economy. He says it takes a separate survey on the possible impact of
membership to the Customs Union on migration flow. It will definitely
have an impact if Armenia becomes a member of the CU, the expert says.
The report does not express any optimism. The survey revealed that
emigration of young people is determined by the lack of opportunities
for professional growth and development, as well as the wish to live
in a society with better protection of human rights, democracy and
governance. According to another survey covering the whole territory of
Armenia, one third of all respondents is going to leave the country
during the next two years. In addition, employed respondents are
looking to leaving for other countries seeking for higher pay and
better opportunities for use of their professional qualifications. The
survey reveals that part of the Armenian population is going to move
to other countries.
According to the survey, emigration is boosted by systemic issues such
as centralization of business and monopolies, issues in education
and judicial sectors. The report states that the business sector is
handled by a group of people who are also directly involved in public
administration, supervising specific areas or sector of economy. This
makes smaller competitors vulnerable, causes unemployment, unequal
distribution of funds over the society, the report holds.
The report also touches upon relations with the Diaspora. The authors
of the report think it is necessary to draft a clear strategy and
action plan for repatriation and admission of Diaspora Armenians
returning to the homeland.
The officials of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs are not
hiding the demographic plight in Armenia. Deputy Minister Petrosyan
announced during the conference that the rate of poverty is at 35%,
unemployment is high, the country is facing grave problems with
territorial development and health. According to the deputy minister,
the index of birth is very low, so it does not enable simple growth.
15:07 08/10/2013 Story from Lragir.am News:
http://www.lragir.am/index/eng/0/society/view/31054
The rates of emigration from Armenia is terrifying. The brain drain
deprives the country of intellect that could be used to foster economic
growth. This information is included in the recent report on the survey
on the decline of the Armenian population, which was presented during
the International Conference on Demographic Challenges in Armenia
organized jointly by the UN FPA and the Ministry of Labor and Social
Affairs. Invited guests were Armenian researchers from Australia and
the United States.
Victor Aghadjanian of Arizona State University introduced the impact
of international migration on Armenian community households. Namely,
the survey in Tavush, Ararat and Gegharkunik found that migrant
families are less likely to engage in farming. There is no evidence
that rural migrant workers will earn money abroad and return to their
home to buy farming land and develop agriculture. In other words,
migrants do not invest money in Armenia.
Polls in the mentioned regions revealed that the wives of married
migrants are ready to leave Armenia with their children. Hence,
according to Victor Aghadjanian, migration tends to uproot the
economy. He says it takes a separate survey on the possible impact of
membership to the Customs Union on migration flow. It will definitely
have an impact if Armenia becomes a member of the CU, the expert says.
The report does not express any optimism. The survey revealed that
emigration of young people is determined by the lack of opportunities
for professional growth and development, as well as the wish to live
in a society with better protection of human rights, democracy and
governance. According to another survey covering the whole territory of
Armenia, one third of all respondents is going to leave the country
during the next two years. In addition, employed respondents are
looking to leaving for other countries seeking for higher pay and
better opportunities for use of their professional qualifications. The
survey reveals that part of the Armenian population is going to move
to other countries.
According to the survey, emigration is boosted by systemic issues such
as centralization of business and monopolies, issues in education
and judicial sectors. The report states that the business sector is
handled by a group of people who are also directly involved in public
administration, supervising specific areas or sector of economy. This
makes smaller competitors vulnerable, causes unemployment, unequal
distribution of funds over the society, the report holds.
The report also touches upon relations with the Diaspora. The authors
of the report think it is necessary to draft a clear strategy and
action plan for repatriation and admission of Diaspora Armenians
returning to the homeland.
The officials of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs are not
hiding the demographic plight in Armenia. Deputy Minister Petrosyan
announced during the conference that the rate of poverty is at 35%,
unemployment is high, the country is facing grave problems with
territorial development and health. According to the deputy minister,
the index of birth is very low, so it does not enable simple growth.
15:07 08/10/2013 Story from Lragir.am News:
http://www.lragir.am/index/eng/0/society/view/31054