Question. From which countries the return of citizens Armenia has been organized recently? What steps are being taken in that direction in the future?

We have repeatedly stated that we are undertaking consistent steps aimed at organizing the return of our citizens abroad who are willing to return to Armenia. In this regard, I would like to note that taking into account the restrictions due to the COVID-19, each flight includes a multi-layered procedure, from obtaining permits to assessments of health safety risks on the ground and the required steps to address those risks. Therefore, due to the above-mentioned circumstances, the flights are carried out at a certain frequency.

Let me briefly present the latest data.

As a result of close cooperation between the Embassy of Armenia in Iraq and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iraq, by the financial assistance of the Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government, Yerevan-Erbil-Yerevan special flight was carried out on April 24, transporting 21 Armenian citizens willing to return to Armenia from Iraq, as well as transferring 133 Iraqi citizens to Erbil.

On April 27, with the support of the Embassy of Armenia in Poland, 18 Armenian citizens were transferred from Warsaw to Minsk by bus, followed by their return to Armenia via Minsk-Yerevan flight.

On April 28, the Kiev-Yerevan-Kiev charter flight was organized, transferring 120 citizens of the Republic of Armenia and 25 citizens of the Republic of Ukraine with legal residency status holders of the Republic of Armenia. The Embassy of Armenia, the Consulate General in Odessa and the offices of honorary consuls had a great contribution in organizing this flight. The flight was possible thanks to the efforts of the Embassy of Armenia in Ukraine, the Union of Armenians of Ukraine, and community representatives.

The return of our citizens was organized from Syria as well. On April 29, the Consulate General of the Republic of Armenia in Aleppo organized the safe transportation of 14 Armenian citizens to Damascus, followed by the flight from Damascus to Yerevan (with 3 more citizens joining them in Damascus).

I would like to particularly emphasize that all our citizens who returned to Armenia via the above-mentioned flights are subjected to a 14-day mandatory quarantine.

Question. Which issues are being raised by our citizens to the Embassy of Armenia in Russia, and what is being done to address those issues?

I would like to note that the Embassy of Armenia in Russia has currently received applications from 5,000 citizens, most of whom have applied after April 18. Since March 22, the total number of applications has exceeded 8,500.

From March 20 up until today, 1200 citizens of the Republic of Armenia were accommodated in hotels. As of today, there are 350 citizens of the Republic of Armenia in the hotels, guesthouses and temporary accommodation provided by the Embassy. They are regularly supplied with food and items of basic necessities.

Hundreds of citizens have been provided with food and shelter in Rostov-on-Don, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg and other cities of the Russian Federation.

I would like to emphasize that a lot of work has been carried out to solve the employment issues of about 517 citizens. In March, 117 citizens, and in April 400 citizens of Armenia, including women, have received employment in different regions of Russia. And about 150 citizens refused the job offer.

The Embassy of Armenia in the Russian Federation maintains a permanent contact with about 20 citizens of the Republic of Armenia in the medical facilities, the medical staff and, if necessary, provides necessary supplies.

Support is also provided to 8 citizens of Armenia with COVID-19 diagnosis who are undergoing home treatment.

In  conditions of home-stay self-isolation, 45 families having financial issues received food baskets on a permanent basis.

As a result of 7 charter flights organized in April, about 1,500 citizens returned to Armenia from Russia, while more than 1,300 of them - were transferred free of charge.

Let me also underscore that a vast part of the works have been carried out in cooperation with benefactors and organizations of the Armenian community.