Why Armenians from Artsakh Are Not Rushing to Apply for Armenian Citizenship: Stepanyan Explains

Statistics show that forcibly displaced individuals from Artsakh are not in a hurry to apply for Armenian citizenship. The reasons are varied, both objective and subjective. This was stated by Gegham Stepanyan, the Ombudsman for Artsakh, during a discussion in the National Assembly on the issues of acquiring Armenian citizenship for forcibly displaced persons from Nagorno-Karabakh.

Stepanyan noted that until 2023, the passport issued to Artsakh residents with a 070 code granted them all the rights of an Armenian citizen, with the exception of voting rights; however, once registered in Armenia and included in the electoral rolls, individuals were able to exercise their voting rights in Armenia.

“With the 070 code passports, Artsakh residents could easily secure positions in the state and public service sectors in Armenia, something that, by law, was exclusively available to Armenian citizens. According to the decision, forcibly displaced individuals from Artsakh have been granted temporary protection status, which has recently been extended until December 2025. Concurrently, it has been established that Artsakh residents can apply for citizenship individually and can receive Armenian citizenship through a fast-tracked or simplified process,” said the Ombudsman for Artsakh.