Armenia to introduce annual labor migration quotas

The government of Armenia plans to implement annual quotas on the number of labor migrants entering the country.

According to a draft amendment to the “Law on Foreigners” and a package of related bills, the proposals were presented by Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Armen Ghazaryan to the parliamentary commission on defence and national security, Caliber.Az reports, citing Armenian media.

Ghazaryan emphasized that, under current national legislation, employers may hire foreign workers only after demonstrating that no qualified specialists are available among local citizens. Given these circumstances, he added, the government must regulate the flow of migrant labor by establishing quotas according to professional categories.

The deputy minister also noted a growing interest among foreigners to work in Armenia. In 2019, 7,800 residence permits were issued; in 2022, more than 16,600; and in 2024, 12,491. The largest number of applications originates from Russia, followed by India, Iran, Georgia, Syria, and Ukraine.

The proposed quotas aim to balance the demand for foreign labor with the availability of local talent while ensuring orderly migration management and supporting Armenia’s economic and social priorities.

By Vafa Guliyeva