RUSSIA'S NEW MIGRATION RULES TOUGH BURDEN FOR MANY ARMENIANS
13:06 * 11.02.14
Russia's new migration and visa rules appear to be a serious burden for
the Armenian citizens travelling to the country as employment migrants.
Apart from the residence restrictions on those without a contract
(they are allowed stay in the country for no more than 90 days per
each 180-day period), many are threatened with a black list in case
of breaching the procedure.
Many Armenian citizens who have purchased air tickets to Russia turn
out to face bans despite having contracts, as they are claimed to
have violated several migration or administrative laws.
Speaking to Tert.am, Mayis Ghazaryan, a 42-year-old resident of
Vardenik (Gegharkunik region), said he had learned he was not allowed
to enter into Russia's territory when trying to buy a ticket online.
"I found out through the Internet that I cannot go to Russia. I have
no idea why they do not issue a permit; nothing is written there,"
he said.
Ghazaryan said he thinks that his two-day delay to comply with the
new Russian laws has caused the difficulty. "After the expiry of
the three-month period, I would go to Kazakhstan and return here by
crossing the border. I had a two-day delay after the three months,
so that's the reason probably," he told our correspondent.
The Vardenik resident said he doesn't know how long he will have to
wait until a new permit is issued. "It is 16 years I have been going
[to Russia], but this is the first time I am facing such a problem.
But I have to go, whatever it may cost; I have no other way out,"
he added.
Ghazaryan said a Russian company which has hired him as a mechanic
is now waiting for his return. "I have always worked in a firm, and
had a permit for one year. They are now waiting for me, and I have
no idea how to go."
Ghazaryan is not the only resident of Vardenik who periodically
travels to Russia as an employment migrant. "There are so many of them;
which one to name? Anyone you approach has some problem," he explained.
Ruzanna, another resident of the village who was in Russia for
several years, says she recently returned to Armenia together with
mother and never managed to travel back after New Year. She told
our correspondent she had been banned from getting on a plane to the
country. "I do not clearly understand the reason, but my parents are
doing all their best to solve the problem," she said.
Speaking to Tert.am, Head of the State Employment Service Gagik
Yeganyan said the Armenian citizens wishing to travel to Russia can
visit the Russian Federal Migration Service'swebsite to check their
status in the country.
"[The site] has a corresponding section where a visitor can enter data
to see whether or not he is banned [from entering the country]. If
there is no ban, it is all right, but if there is any, that's not
the end of it. They must apply to the Federal Migration Service,"
he explained.
"The same website has a section, applications, where [citizens]
can submit online applications to find out how long they will face a
ban and why. There have been numerous appeals which were responded,"
added the official.
Armenian News - Tert.am
13:06 * 11.02.14
Russia's new migration and visa rules appear to be a serious burden for
the Armenian citizens travelling to the country as employment migrants.
Apart from the residence restrictions on those without a contract
(they are allowed stay in the country for no more than 90 days per
each 180-day period), many are threatened with a black list in case
of breaching the procedure.
Many Armenian citizens who have purchased air tickets to Russia turn
out to face bans despite having contracts, as they are claimed to
have violated several migration or administrative laws.
Speaking to Tert.am, Mayis Ghazaryan, a 42-year-old resident of
Vardenik (Gegharkunik region), said he had learned he was not allowed
to enter into Russia's territory when trying to buy a ticket online.
"I found out through the Internet that I cannot go to Russia. I have
no idea why they do not issue a permit; nothing is written there,"
he said.
Ghazaryan said he thinks that his two-day delay to comply with the
new Russian laws has caused the difficulty. "After the expiry of
the three-month period, I would go to Kazakhstan and return here by
crossing the border. I had a two-day delay after the three months,
so that's the reason probably," he told our correspondent.
The Vardenik resident said he doesn't know how long he will have to
wait until a new permit is issued. "It is 16 years I have been going
[to Russia], but this is the first time I am facing such a problem.
But I have to go, whatever it may cost; I have no other way out,"
he added.
Ghazaryan said a Russian company which has hired him as a mechanic
is now waiting for his return. "I have always worked in a firm, and
had a permit for one year. They are now waiting for me, and I have
no idea how to go."
Ghazaryan is not the only resident of Vardenik who periodically
travels to Russia as an employment migrant. "There are so many of them;
which one to name? Anyone you approach has some problem," he explained.
Ruzanna, another resident of the village who was in Russia for
several years, says she recently returned to Armenia together with
mother and never managed to travel back after New Year. She told
our correspondent she had been banned from getting on a plane to the
country. "I do not clearly understand the reason, but my parents are
doing all their best to solve the problem," she said.
Speaking to Tert.am, Head of the State Employment Service Gagik
Yeganyan said the Armenian citizens wishing to travel to Russia can
visit the Russian Federal Migration Service'swebsite to check their
status in the country.
"[The site] has a corresponding section where a visitor can enter data
to see whether or not he is banned [from entering the country]. If
there is no ban, it is all right, but if there is any, that's not
the end of it. They must apply to the Federal Migration Service,"
he explained.
"The same website has a section, applications, where [citizens]
can submit online applications to find out how long they will face a
ban and why. There have been numerous appeals which were responded,"
added the official.
Armenian News - Tert.am