Armenia has become a transit point for illegal migrants“/>
Author: Bayram Elshadov
Yerevan is sounding the alarm about illegal migrants in the country. According to Armenian media, from January 1 to August 28, 2024, 11,965 Indian citizens, 658 Egyptian citizens and 255 Iraqi citizens arrived in Armenia and are currently living in the country illegally. Thus, Armenia has actually turned into a transit point for illegal migrants.
This situation causes many consequences for Armenia. An increase in the number of illegal migrants threatens to increase crime and social tension, and will also create a significant burden on barely breathing infrastructure and government services.
Apparently, by attracting migrants, the Armenian leadership hoped to solve the demographic problem in the country. More and more Armenians are leaving their country, not seeing prospects or any future in it. Since 1992, a million citizens of the country have left Armenia, and this is a terrifying statistic for a state of three million.
Pashinyan does not need Karabakh Armenians
Illegal migrants arriving in Armenia soon realize that there is no honey there. They face difficulties: lack of legal status leads to vulnerability, limited access to services and, as a consequence, exploitation. Therefore, most of the illegal immigrants after some time run away from Armenia to more prosperous countries.
Before the Second Karabakh War, the Armenian leadership facilitated the illegal resettlement of ethnic Armenians from the countries of the Middle East to the occupied territories of Azerbaijan. Under the motto of humanism and solidarity, Armenia abused the tragic situation of refugees to advance its expansionist and aggressive goals.
And today we are witnessing the same principle, only in a different wrapper. The Armenian government is trying to solve its own selfish goals at the expense of migrants. Thus, the current situation with illegal migrants in Armenia reflects the deep internal problems of the country, which Yerevan is trying to hide.