Unemployment Figures Decline, Says Spokesperson of Minister of Labor and Social Affairs

According to data for 2024, 1 million 94 thousand people are out of the labor force in Armenia. The population outside the labor force includes individuals who have not worked and have not sought employment during the study period, meaning they have been neither employed nor unemployed. These figures are summarized in the publication "Labor Market in Armenia - 2025" by the Statistical Committee of Armenia.

Tert.am spoke with Nver Kostanyan, the spokesperson for the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs of Armenia, to clarify what programs are currently in place for citizens who are considered out of the labor force and unemployed.

“Every month, the State Revenue Committee publishes the number of registered job vacancies, which is approximately 5,000-6,000 more than the previous month. This indicates that as the number of registered job vacancies increases, the unemployment figures decline,” Kostanyan noted.

Referring to the ongoing programs for those outside the labor force, Nver Kostanyan emphasized that there are many initiatives, particularly in territorial centers of the MSSI, where registered applicants are guided and connected with various employers, with different job offers available.

“We currently have a support program for individuals with unserviceable loans, whom we encourage towards formal employment. When they secure formal employment, all their income tax is directed towards repaying their loan. Eventually, they achieve both formal employment and clear their unfavorable credit history,” he explained.

Discussing political reforms that would help engage more of the population in the labor force, Kostanyan mentioned that their policies are aimed precisely at this.”

“We are focused on promoting the idea of work, caring for one’s own welfare through employment. The programs are also directed at overcoming poverty and increasing prosperity,” he added.

It should be noted that individuals typically classified as outside the labor force include students in education, homemakers, retirees, persons with disabilities, caretakers of children or sick relatives, and others who are not working or seeking work for various reasons (such as those earning from self-employment, conscripted military personnel, etc.).