Armenian media: Russians leaving, Indians coming

Few Russian citizens arrive in Armenia amid recent political tensions between Armenia and Russia. The number of those who left increased.

“More than 207,000 Russian citizens arrived in Armenia during the first two months of last year while this year only 171,700 people have arrived, decreasing by almost 36,000 people. The number of incoming Russian citizens decreased by more than 17 per cent,” Caliber.Az reports citing an article published in the Armenian 168 Zham newspaper.

It is clear that the Russian citizens’ frequent visits have played an important role in the high economic growth observed in Armenia recently, taking into account that mainly businessmen were coming. There were also numerous tourists, which also brought huge money. The economic activity was observed. However, gradually these flows reduced.

 According to the official data, Russian citizens have rarely visited Armenia this year. Of course, the reasons are clear. Besides the recent tension between Armenia and Russia, favourable conditions have not been created in Armenia to properly manage and direct these flows to long-term goals. On the contrary, many obstacles were created. The prices increased in Armenia. Staying here is expensive, even for Russian citizens with relatively high incomes and standards of living. Therefore, those who came preferred to leave gradually. More people left than arrived. The outflow from Armenia at the beginning of the year exceeds the inflow by almost 8,000 people.

As for India, numerous citizens arrived in Armenia. Just two or three years ago, the influx from India to Armenia was so small that it was not even visible in the overall figures. However, over the past two years the figures have grown so fast that they have already left many countries behind.

The arrival of Indian citizens to Armenia has increased by several times in a short period of time. If the number of Indian citizens hardly reached 1,100–1,200 people in the first two months in 2022, this year there are 9,000 people. In two years the number of Indian citizens has increased by 7–8 times. The flow of Indian citizens to Armenia increased by 2.3 times in the first two months of the beginning of the year.

This means that those who came earlier and stayed in Armenia are gradually leaving, returning to Russia or moving to other countries where living conditions are much more favourable, prices are not high and life is more comfortable. Of course, Armenia, its citizens and the economy will suffer.