FORUM SYNOPSIS:
Emigration issues in Armenia
On Friday, September 8, Birthright Armenia invited Dr. Hranush Kharatyan, Ethnologist, and Professor at Yerevan State University, Head of Ethnic Minorities and Religious Affairs Department within the Government of Armenia to discuss Emigration Issues in Armenia
Dr. Kharatyan began her presentation with the description of the main reasons of the migration processes in Armenia and the most active periods and directions of the immigration from the country.
She mentioned that migration cycles correspond to election cycles, when a large number of people migrate, not seeing the realization of their hopes through their vote. The years 1991-1992, 1995-1996 and 1999-2000 represented peaks in emigration. She mentioned incentives being provided by various European nations that provide incentives for emigres from the former Soviet Union known for their skills. Various countries actively seek skilled talent and offer irresistible incentives for Armenian workers to move and establish themselves in Europe. She also mentioned the continuing difficulty of families to find a steady line of work in Armenia. And the lack of rule of law and some other basic human rights also provides incentives for emigration.
Dr. Kharatyan also presented some of the more worrisome aspect of the emigration picture. Over the past 15 years, a disproportionate number of the emigrants are young males, a group whose presence in Armenia is crucial for economic growth and sustainability. It is also a core component of new families, and population growth. Contrarily, those who immigrate to Armenia (mainly refugees from Georgia and Azerbaijan), are much older, and less contributory to population and economic growth. Demographically this is not encouraging. "The most negative thing is that the 18% of the population are pensioners, and if we also take into consideration, that around 1 million people the majority of whom are aged between 20 and 49 years old are out of the country, this figure is much higher" she said. "This situation is very dangerous for the future development of the culture, economics, science as well as the ability of the country to defend its borders" she emphasized. Average family sizes are likewise decreasing due to females bearing children at a much older age, not getting married as often, and not having as many children.
Dr. Kharatyan went on to present some alarming statistics if the current trends continue: "By 2025 the population of Armenia will decrease by 20% and by 2050 the population will decrease by a total of 33%. Healthy countries on the other hand have natural population growth".
Dr. Kharatyan described the main directions of migration from Armenia. Russia is a prime destination, primarily due to its proximity and ease of travel. There are an estimated 2 million Armenians living and working in Russia. Of those, nearly 300,000 do not have any status of citizenship due to their expired Soviet passports, and their not having applied for and received either an Armenian passport or a Russian passport at that time. These people are in legal limbo, subject to being abused and taken advantage of in the Russian job market.
