March 26, 2009 - 20:34 AMT
Over 200 000 migrants will return to Armenia
"Migration policy priorities have changed within the last 3 months, as the spontaneous return of our compatriots is already in process," RA Migration Agency Head Gagik Eghanyan told in an interview to PanARMENIAN.Net. reporter.

He suggested creation of mechanisms that would mitigate social strain to overcome financial crisis consequences.

"Unemployment in Russia increased dramatically. Demands of Russian government that employees should give first priority to Russian citizens must also be considered. The 200 000 people who, in changing circumstances, will be left unemployed will have to choose between Russia where they have neither job or shelter, or Armenia where they'll at least have shelter. If 400 000 people who chose to stay are added to those mentioned above, the strain on job market will be virtually overpowering," Eghanyan noted.

"By the end of spring we will get data on the number of those who did not leave the country for seasonal job and those who returned. People are waiting for construction works to start. But this spring their hopes won't be justified."

  • Full text of the interview