Legal Aspects of Labour Migration Governance in the Republic of Armenia

Abstract

Since its independence in 1991, the Republic of Armenia has faced difficult challenges in its policies and legal framework for labour migration. In the last two decades many Armenians have left for overseas employment given the socio-economic situation at home. At the same time, Armenia has inspired a certain interest in foreigners who, themselves, have come to work in Armenia. Given these in- and outflows Armenia has experienced a raft of problems with legal regulations. In spite of the topicality of these problems, they have not yet been comprehensively studied. Problems have, to some extent, been touched upon by a number of authors. But the research carried out to date is mainly socio-economic or deals with the policy aspects of labour migration. Legal regulations for internal and external migrations is conditioned by the fact that, as in other areas, a relevant normative basis is a necessary condition for implementing state policy. In the absence thereof, it is impossible to talk about state policy in a given area. This study addresses the legal aspects of labour migration governance in the Republic of Armenia. It analyses the legal framework and institutional mechanisms for internal and external labour migration and examines legal problems related to regulating the in- and outflow of migrant workers. Certain conclusions and recommendations have been made, on the basis of research. These conclusions and recommendations can be used to improve the legal framework with a view to regulating labour migration in Armenia. In addition, they can also serve as a basis for further exploration in the field.