As of October 24, it is no longer easy for nationals of indians, Iraqis And Egyptians to land in Yerevan simply with an e-Visa. The government has put an end - at least temporarily - to the e-Visa system for these 3 nationalities, unless a valid visa for a Western region is presented.
This decision, which came down like a bolt from the blue, is not insignificant. It comes against a backdrop of growing tensions surrounding immigration in Armenia. For months now, the authorities have been worried about the massive influx of visitors from these countries, some of whom tend to overstay their legal stay.
The puzzle of overstayers
Over the first 9 months of 2023, no fewer than 70,000 Indians who have set foot on Armenian soil. A staggering figure, given that the country has a population of just 3 million! Immigration authorities estimate that some 10,000 Indians are currently in an irregular situation. An administrative and social headache that has finally prompted the government to take action.
On theIraq and theEgyptThe same can be said of the company. Although the figures are less staggering, the trend is similar. These "overstayers"They pose a real challenge to the Armenian authorities.
From now on, nationals of the three countries concerned will have to comply with a more stringent procedure:
- Application to an Armenian embassy or consulate
- Provision of supporting documents (return tickets, hotel reservations, etc.)
- Processing time can extend over several weeks
| “It is proposed to issue electronic visas to citizens of these 3 countries who have temporary or permanent resident status (or a valid entry visa) in the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Korea, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Canada, Russia, Japan, the European Union, Schengen countries and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Citizens of these countries will also be issued visas on presentation of a return air ticket."the Armenian authorities justify. |
Tour operators on the alert
This measure has had the effect of a cold shower for the Armenian tourism sector. Agencies specializing in welcoming Indian, Iraqi and Egyptian visitors see their business model seriously threatened. Some even fear that they will have to close down if the situation continues.
"This is a major blow. Indian groups represented a significant part of my clientele. I'm going to have to reinvent myself."
Armen, tour guide in Yerevan
The government, aware of the economic stakes involved, insists that the measure is only temporary. The time is needed to set up a more effective system for controlling migratory flows. But in reality, no one knows how long this transitional period will last.
A debate that divides society
This decision is not unanimously supported by the Armenian population. While some applaud the decision, seeing it as a means of preserving national identity, others are concerned about the economic consequences and the image it will project internationally.
“We can't complain about the lack of tourists on the one hand, and close our borders on the other."insists Lilitowner of a bed and breakfast in central Yerevan. "These visitors support numerous businesses and contribute to the local economy..”
Towards an overhaul of the migration system?
Beyond this emergency measure, the entire Armenian migration system is being called into question. The government is currently working on an in-depth reform, aimed at better controlling flows while preserving the country's attractiveness.
Among the tracks mentioned:
- The introduction of a quota system by nationality
- Tighter border controls
- The introduction of a tourism tax to finance hospitality infrastructures
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