11,965 citizens of India, 658 citizens of Egypt, and 255 citizens of Iraq live in Armenia illegally
The explanation of this decision states that it is proposed to issue electronic visas to the citizens of these countries who have a temporary or permanent residence status in—or a valid entry visa for—the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Korea, United Kingdom, Canada, Russia, Japan, European Union, Schengen Agreement countries and the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council. The citizens of these countries will be issued an entry visa to Armenia also if they have a return flight ticket.
The next requirement is an invitation (application, letter, petition) by a legal entity, state body, or diplomatic mission of a foreign state or an international organization submitted by the foreigner who wants to enter Armenia.
It is also recommended that the citizens of the aforementioned countries present the grounds for the availability of financial resources (bank statement, other proofs) as a necessary condition for applying through the E-VISA system of Armenia.
Health (travel) insurance is also set a prerequisite for obtaining an electronic visa for Armenia, as confirmed cases of tuberculosis have been recorded by the Ministry of Health of Armenia among a number of Indian citizens.
It is noted that the majority of foreigners arriving in Armenia with an entry visit visa later apply for residence status in the country on the basis of studying, working or doing business. For this reason, if a foreigner indicates these categories in the field of the purpose of visit in the application-questionnaire filled out to obtain an entry visa to Armenia, it may have certain significance in the process of studying the proceedings for granting residence status in the country.
The purpose of this decision is to prevent the flow of illegal migrants to Armenia, which brings a number of negative consequences, including an increase in the number of crimes.
It is noted that the probability of illegal migrants turning Armenia into a transit zone for moving to European countries is increasing, which can have a very negative impact on the process of Armenia’s visa liberalization with the EU.
According to the results of a study of the current situation of migration into Armenia carried out by the National Security Service, 11,965 citizens of India, 658 citizens of Egypt, and 255 citizens of Iraq have arrived in Armenia between January 1 and August 28 and currently live in the country illegally.