Armenian minister rules out emigration risk from EU visa liberalization, credits peace and reforms for shift

Minister of Internal Affairs Arpine Sargsyan highlighted on Wednesday that Armenia is currently the only country with which the EU is engaged in a visa liberalization dialogue. Speaking in parliament, Sargsyan ruled out the possibility that eventual visa liberalization could lead to emigration, crediting peace and reforms.

“Armenia is the only country with which the European Union is currently conducting an active visa liberalization dialogue. Armenia is also the only country that, within a record period after the launch of the dialogue, has received an action plan. I must note that this plan also covers areas that are already on the Government’s reform agenda. This includes migration, asylum issues, public security, human rights, integrated border management, and the fight against organized crime, among others. The Ministry of Internal Affairs has a coordinating role, and I must note that the first assessment report will be available in May, and I am confident that we will jointly achieve positive results,” the minister said.

According to the minister, a constant question arises in this context as to whether there is concern that visa liberalization could lead to a risk of emigration to European Union countries.

“I want to state with confidence that Armenia has no such concern, because it is precisely as a result of peace established in Armenia, as well as sectoral reforms, that emigration has turned into return migration. Under the careful maintenance of these conditions, return migration trends will, without a doubt, continue to increase,” said Arpine Sargsyan.