The majority of Artsakh residents without Armenian citizenship have been unable to secure employment in state institutions
The “Transparency International” Anti-Corruption Center has published a study discussing the employment and labor rights opportunities of forcibly displaced individuals from Artsakh.
A year after relocating to Armenia, a significant portion of Artsakh residents still face serious obstacles in solving employment issues, which are influenced by both legal and socio-economic factors. The study shows that the majority of Artsakh residents have found employment in the service sector, such as in stores, flower shops, beauty salons, and so on. Most men with cars have started working in taxi services. Some have also taken advantage of job fairs and similar events to find work. However, as of June 2024, initiatives from non-governmental organizations regarding employment orientation and placement for Artsakh residents have decreased.
In total, according to responses from the ministries, 185 applications were submitted for public service positions, of which 164 were rejected. Only 17 forcibly displaced individuals who held Armenian citizenship were employed. 97 people applied for jobs in the Ministry of Finance, but only 3 were hired in Armenia.
Teachers, healthcare workers, craftsmen, police officers, and others have also faced difficulties. However, the study reveals that forcibly displaced Artsakh residents are deprived of the opportunity to work in the public sector because they do not have Armenian citizenship. As of October 10, 3,431 Artsakh residents have obtained Armenian citizenship, and another 5,409 individuals have applied for citizenship.