We Came to Armenia and Have No Credit History; If You Don’t Give Us Loans, How Will We Build a History? Discussion in the National Assembly

“We came to Armenia and have no credit history; if you don’t give us loans, how will we build a history?” This issue was raised from the podium of the National Assembly during public hearings focused on the challenges faced by repatriates. Ruzmik Minasyan, a diaspora Armenian who has returned to his homeland, noted that diaspora Armenians also made their contribution during the Velvet Revolution. However, he is now addressing the authorities, stating, “Don’t let us return to foreign shores to secure our livelihoods.”

He mentioned that they are facing numerous difficulties, yet have seen nothing encouraging. According to Minasyan, along with hasty and temporary solutions, there is a need for radical and long-term solutions: “We demand a careful approach from the state towards repatriates.”

They are calling for the development of a special legal framework for repatriation that would clarify both the material and moral nature of state support, as well as the guidelines. They also demand the urgent provision of subsidized housing and, remotely, the construction of multi-unit complexes with allowances for long-term payments, along with temporary tax exemptions, and so on.