Economic crisis pushes Armenians to migration
By Laman Sadigova
Armenia is a country of migrants, Head of EU Delegation to Yerevan, Ambassador Piotr Switalski said on February 3.
Addressing the conference “Innovative Approaches to Diaspora Engagement and Use of Remittances for Child Wellbeing in Armenia”, Switalski highlighted possible risks of Armenia-EU visa regime liberalization.
The problem is what will happen to Armenia if the EU liberalize the visa regime and open its borders to Armenia, said the ambassador.
“Armenian Diaspora is very active and performs as a rather powerful lobby in many countries. It is also a source of foreign investments into Armenia and a cultural bridge between Armenia and the world. Diaspora is an opportunity of material assistance as well, particularly in the form of private money transfers. But let’s be honest, those transfers sweeten the situation. People living abroad can be of much more use if they stay in their home countries,” he said.
Migration is nothing new to Armenians, as reportedly since 1990s the country lost over 1 million people -- about one third of its population.
The situation in this South Caucasus country is indeed very difficult as the country’s economy and criminal government forces people to leave and seek for a better country abroad.
For the first time in nearly 40 years, the population of Armenia fell below the level of 3 million according to the Armenian Statistics Agency. In 2015, the country’s population decreased by 12,000 people, while during the last five years it decreased by 35,000 people, and since gaining independence in 1991 - by 634,700 people. Thus, based on the 2011 census, 2,998,600 people live in the country as of January 1st 2016.
The migration rate raises concerns for the country’s future but the government does nothing to improve the situation.
---
Follow Laman Sadigova on Twitter: @s_laman93
Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz