Armenia Contemplates Introduction of Annual Migrant Quotas

YEREVAN, November 25. /ARКА/. The Interior Ministry of Armenia is suggesting the introduction of annual quotas for labor migrants.

Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Armen Ghazaryan addressed the parliament on Monday following the approval by the Parliamentary Committee on Defense and Security of a draft law aimed at amending the Law on foreigners and several associated laws. He indicated that this measure would assist in regulating labor migration flows.

"According to current Armenian law, an employer is permitted to hire a foreign worker only after demonstrating the unavailability of a suitable local candidate; however, this requirement is seldom adhered to in practice. Last year, such justification was provided in merely 10 instances out of over 10,000," Ghazaryan remarked.

The deputy minister is of the opinion that, given these circumstances, the government ought to manage the influx of labor migrants by instituting quotas for different specialties.

He further highlighted the increasing foreign interest in Armenia each year. "In 2019, 7,800 residence permits were granted, in 2022 – over 16,600, and in 2024 – 12,491. The majority of these permits were issued to citizens of Russia, followed by those from India, Iran, Georgia, Syria, Ukraine, and other nations. Additionally, citizens from EAEU countries who commence employment in Armenia automatically receive residence permits for the duration of their employment contract," Ghazaryan stated.

He also mentioned that the Ministry of Internal Affairs is advocating for the government to have the authority to independently set the investment threshold for residency.

"For limited liability companies, this threshold is suggested to be established at 2 million drams of authorized capital, while for sole proprietors, it is proposed to be 1 million drams, either as capital investment or turnover over the preceding six months," Ghazaryan added.-0-