On 19 March, the Government adopted the State Program for Primary Assistance for Reintegration of Returning Citizens of the Republic of Armenia.

The program will provide priority assistance to the RA citizens returning to Armenia to ensure their full and sustainable reintegration in the future. The program consists of two components: providing information support and tailor-made guidance. This component applies to both voluntary and compulsory returning RA citizens. The second is the housing component. It only applies to RA citizens who have been forcibly returned. Temporary accommodation provides for a 6 month subsidy for rent of 60,000 AMD. Target groups of the project are returnees and most vulnerable RA citizens deported or expelled from foreign countries under readmission agreements.

The Migration Service reports

The program has set time standards for at least 1 year abroad and a maximum of 3 months after return.

It should be emphasized that the program is based on the vulnerability of individuals rather than on their migration experience.

The adoption of the program is also an important step towards resolving the issues arising from the fulfillment of Armenia’s commitments under the EU-Armenia Readmission Agreement, which is important for the launch of the visa liberalization dialogue between the EU and Armenia.