Foreigners' Residence Statuses to Be Digitized: Details

During the meeting of the National Assembly's Standing Committee on Defense and Security on November 24, a draft package of changes and amendments to the law on foreigners was discussed in the first reading. Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Armen Ghazaryan noted that the main goal of the legislative initiative is the complete digitization of the administrative processes related to the issuance of residence statuses to foreigners.

The presenter mentioned that it is proposed to have two types of residence statuses: temporary and permanent. The next proposed regulation pertains to the regulation of labor migration flows, suggesting the introduction of a quota system. Each year, the government will establish the maximum number of residence statuses to be issued, based on type and grounds.

The draft law also revises the existing state duty rates. In particular, it is proposed to set the state duty for reviewing applications for temporary residence status in the Republic of Armenia, including the issuance of a residence card, at 150,000 AMD, replacing the current 105,000 AMD, while the application for permanent residence status will have a fee of 250,000 AMD instead of 140,000 AMD.

“Practically, these changes will significantly ease the administration related to foreigners in our country by completely transferring it to the digital domain. This will also substantially contribute to the rapid implementation of administrative processes by state bodies,” noted Armen Ghazaryan.

He also informed that in 2024, the total number of individuals who will obtain any type of residence status in Armenia will be 12,491. The majority are citizens from Russia, followed by India, Iran, Georgia, Syria, Ukraine, and other countries.

Accompanying presenter and Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee on Defense and Security Armen Khachatryan suggested voting in favor of the legislative package. The committee has given a positive conclusion to the government's legislative initiative. The draft laws have been proposed to be included in the agenda of the upcoming sessions of the National Assembly.