One wants citizenship, another wants a job
There were many people gathered at the Office of the Russian Federal Migration Service in Yerevan today. They were waiting impatiently to submit their documents to receive permission to leave for permanent residency in Russia within the framework of the "Countrymen" Program. Arevik, who is a 28-year old nurse (her name was changed upon her request-ed.), is planning to settle in Novosibirsk with her husband and one-year old child. She told "A1+" that she was leaving Armenia because she wasn't able to find a decent job.
"I tried to find a job that corresponded to my profession, but the administration of the polyclinic in Yerevan demanded 3-4,000 dollars to accept me as an employee. I tried to enter the "Yerevan City" supermarket network, but the administration told me it required 27-year old girls," said Arevik.
Arevik currently works as a seller and receives a monthly salary of 120,000 drams. "My husband and I earn enough for a living, but we would like to lease a car and a house. My husband's employer is forcing him not to register a salary over 30,000 in his work booklet. Which bank will give us a loan?" said the young woman with indignation.
She added that the service has promised her and her family a good salary, their airfare and half of the rent for the first six months. "I will be very happy to leave. Whoever left hasn't returned," said Arevik.
A thirty-year old man told "A1"+ that his goal of participating in the "Countrymen" Program to acquire Russian citizenship. "I have an acquaintance in Kaluga. He has promised me a job, but all I need is citizenship," said the man.
