More Diaspora Armenians Are Moving to Armenia: Citizenship Applications Have Tripled Since 2020

More Armenians from around the world are choosing to move to Armenia, with the number of citizenship applications increasing significantly over the last four years.

Hovhannes Alexanyan, the Director of the Department of Repatriation and Integration at the Office of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs, said during a press conference that repatriation has accelerated since 2020. The number of applications for Armenian citizenship has grown from around 7,000–8,000 in 2020 to more than 20,000 in recent years.

"Three to four times more people are applying for Armenian citizenship. These include individuals obtaining it for the first time, as well as those who previously renounced their Armenian citizenship and are now reapplying," Alexanyan explained. He added that many applicants hold dual citizenship.

One major reason for the rise in repatriation is geopolitical changes. Alexanyan said that many Diaspora Armenians living in unstable or conflict-prone regions are choosing to relocate to Armenia for safety and stability.

Historically, most repatriates came from the Middle East, but today, the largest number of applicants is from Russia. Many Armenians in post-Soviet countries have also shown growing interest in moving to Armenia.

Repatriates are applying from about 40 different countries. In addition to Russia and post-Soviet nations, applicants come from European countries, North and South America, and Australia. The repatriation office has also received applications from more unexpected locations such as Macedonia, Serbia, and some Asian countries.

To help newcomers integrate smoothly, Armenia has created support programs through the Center for Integration of Repatriates. The center offers free Armenian language classes, IT training, and other advisory services.

Many repatriates have found jobs in diverse fields such as agriculture, construction, finance, education, and design. The IT sector, in particular, has attracted a growing number of skilled professionals from the Armenian Diaspora.

As the number of people returning to Armenia continues to rise, the government is working to provide more resources to help repatriates settle into their new lives. With increasing interest from Armenians worldwide, the country may see an even greater wave of repatriation in the coming years.More Armenians from around the world are choosing to move to Armenia, with the number of citizenship applications increasing significantly over the last four years.

Hovhannes Alexanyan, the Director of the Department of Repatriation and Integration at the Office of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs, said during a press conference that repatriation has accelerated since 2020. The number of applications for Armenian citizenship has grown from around 7,000–8,000 in 2020 to more than 20,000 in recent years.

"Three to four times more people are applying for Armenian citizenship. These include individuals obtaining it for the first time, as well as those who previously renounced their Armenian citizenship and are now reapplying," Alexanyan explained. He added that many applicants hold dual citizenship.

One major reason for the rise in repatriation is geopolitical changes. Alexanyan said that many Diaspora Armenians living in unstable or conflict-prone regions are choosing to relocate to Armenia for safety and stability.

Historically, most repatriates came from the Middle East, but today, the largest number of applicants is from Russia. Many Armenians in post-Soviet countries have also shown growing interest in moving to Armenia.

Repatriates are applying from about 40 different countries. In addition to Russia and post-Soviet nations, applicants come from European countries, North and South America, and Australia. The repatriation office has also received applications from more unexpected locations such as Macedonia, Serbia, and some Asian countries.

To help newcomers integrate smoothly, Armenia has created support programs through the Center for Integration of Repatriates. The center offers free Armenian language classes, IT training, and other advisory services.

Many repatriates have found jobs in diverse fields such as agriculture, construction, finance, education, and design. The IT sector, in particular, has attracted a growing number of skilled professionals from the Armenian Diaspora.

As the number of people returning to Armenia continues to rise, the government is working to provide more resources to help repatriates settle into their new lives. With increasing interest from Armenians worldwide, the country may see an even greater wave of repatriation in the coming years.