Those Leaving Armenia for Work in Russia Are in Uncertainty

Those leaving Armenia for work are facing uncertainty this year about whether or not to go to Russia. This was stated by the President of the Central Bank of Armenia, Martin Galstyan, during a meeting with journalists while responding to a question from Sputnik Armenia.

Galstyan noted that their latest survey was conducted by phone rather than through personal contact, aimed at understanding whether there is motivation to go abroad for work.

“When we conducted surveys 7 or 10 years ago, people already knew clearly by February whether they were going or not. Now, the uncertainty is quite significant. We assume they will stay in Armenia and engage in the Armenian labor market. Besides the uncertainty, the number of those wanting to go to work in Russia has decreased; they did not leave last year and still do not know if they will leave this year,” said Galstyan.

The Central Bank President recalled that in Armenia there are villages or regions where the main occupation of men was going abroad for work, whereas now, according to Galstyan, they are seeking to engage in the Armenian labor market, particularly in the construction sector.

Regarding money transfers from Russia to Armenia, the Central Bank President noted that until now, outgoing workers transferred about 80% of their earnings electronically, while the remaining 20% was brought back with them. However, now, due to western sanctions, Russian banks are experiencing issues with transfers. As a result, the proportion of cash has increased, with people seeking ways to transfer money to Armenia in cash.

When asked whether displaced individuals from Artsakh are also involved among those leaving for work, Galstyan responded that they have not conducted a separate survey or statistics on that matter, but over 20,000 Artsakh residents are registered in the Armenian labor market.