Truck drivers protest in Yerevan: Armenian authorities promise to address the issue of migrants' length of stay in Russia
16.10.2025,
12:23
On Thursday, Armenian truck drivers again protested outside the government building in Yerevan.
YEREVAN, October 16. /ARKA/. On Thursday, Armenian truck drivers again protested outside the government building in Yerevan.
They are calling on the Armenian authorities to address the current Russian limit on the length of stay for migrant workers (no more than 90 days in 180 days per year), which seriously hinders the work of truck drivers from Armenia. This limit quickly expires, and truckers are added to a registry of violators.
Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan came down to the protesters. He stated that the Armenian government is not only aware of the problem, but is also working on it.
"I can't say anything more right now, but we are addressing this issue at the highest level within the EAEU. And I really hope it will be resolved." "Of course, you have the right to hold protests every day, but I assure you that we've been working on this issue for a week now and will continue to do so until we reach an acceptable solution," Papoyan noted.
He agreed that a 90-day limit is unworkable; over the course of a year, one could spend that many days or more waiting to cross the Upper Lars checkpoint (the only land route between Armenia and Russia on the Russian-Georgian border – ed.). "The same problem exists in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and the same problem exists in Armenia," the minister added.
One of the protesters stated that he and his associates are ready to block all customs checkpoints, all entrances and exits, allowing only military vehicles and ambulances through until this issue is resolved.
On new restrictions in Russian immigration legislation
It was previously reported that, starting January 1, 2025, citizens of visa-free countries, including Armenia, who enter Russia for purposes other than work, may stay in the Russian Federation for no more than 90 days per calendar year (previously, 90 days within every 180 days). This restriction applies to truck drivers and passenger carriers, as well as pilots, flight attendants, aircraft maintenance personnel, train drivers, and others.
Foreigners who violated this regulation had until September 10 to resolve their residency status in the Russian Federation and avoid administrative penalties. Fines. Penalties include a 3-year entry ban (for overstays of 90-180 days), a 5-year ban (for overstays of 180-270 days), and a 10-year ban (for overstays of more than 270 days).
Over the past month, increased enforcement has been implemented, resulting in dozens of RA citizen drivers being added to a special registry of violators.
They are calling on the Armenian authorities to address the current Russian limit on the length of stay for migrant workers (no more than 90 days in 180 days per year), which seriously hinders the work of truck drivers from Armenia. This limit quickly expires, and truckers are added to a registry of violators.
Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan came down to the protesters. He stated that the Armenian government is not only aware of the problem, but is also working on it.
"I can't say anything more right now, but we are addressing this issue at the highest level within the EAEU. And I really hope it will be resolved." "Of course, you have the right to hold protests every day, but I assure you that we've been working on this issue for a week now and will continue to do so until we reach an acceptable solution," Papoyan noted.
He agreed that a 90-day limit is unworkable; over the course of a year, one could spend that many days or more waiting to cross the Upper Lars checkpoint (the only land route between Armenia and Russia on the Russian-Georgian border – ed.). "The same problem exists in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and the same problem exists in Armenia," the minister added.
One of the protesters stated that he and his associates are ready to block all customs checkpoints, all entrances and exits, allowing only military vehicles and ambulances through until this issue is resolved.
On new restrictions in Russian immigration legislation
It was previously reported that, starting January 1, 2025, citizens of visa-free countries, including Armenia, who enter Russia for purposes other than work, may stay in the Russian Federation for no more than 90 days per calendar year (previously, 90 days within every 180 days). This restriction applies to truck drivers and passenger carriers, as well as pilots, flight attendants, aircraft maintenance personnel, train drivers, and others.
Foreigners who violated this regulation had until September 10 to resolve their residency status in the Russian Federation and avoid administrative penalties. Fines. Penalties include a 3-year entry ban (for overstays of 90-180 days), a 5-year ban (for overstays of 180-270 days), and a 10-year ban (for overstays of more than 270 days).
Over the past month, increased enforcement has been implemented, resulting in dozens of RA citizen drivers being added to a special registry of violators.
