Pashinyan on the Deportation of Armenians from Russia

The Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, considers it a natural process that Armenian citizens living illegally in other countries, including Russia, may be deported.

During a briefing with journalists, Pashinyan responded to concerns regarding the mass deportations of Armenian citizens by Russia amid the current phase of Armenian-Russian relations, expressing confidence that these worries are unfounded due to existing regulations that will continue to be enforced.

“On the other hand, during my campaign, I have met many individuals—Armenian citizens—who have returned from Russia and say they are happy to be back and will stay in Armenia. Moreover, 2025 will be the first year when emigration has ceased from the Republic of Armenia and immigration has begun,” Pashinyan noted with satisfaction.

He added that there have been numerous instances of Armenian citizens being deported from Russia on illegal grounds over the years, even situations where people had to change their names or surnames to resolve their issues.

Pashinyan emphasized that all countries deport foreigners who are illegally present in their territories. “Those who are there legally cannot be deported, while those on illegal grounds not only can be but are required to be,” he clarified.