At March 17 sitting of the NA Standing Committee on Economic Affairs, the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs Zareh Sinanyan presenting the implemented programs for 2020 noted that IGorts program was launched during the financial year, aimed at involving the specialists who have master’s degree in the best universities of the world in the works of the bodies of the state administration system of the RA. As a result, 52 specialists were involved in different works in 19 state bodies. The program will be continuous.
Diaspora Mapping Program was highlighted, the budget of which was confirmed last year, however due to the war it was canceled and it was possible to restart only in February.
During the pandemic numerous health workers arrived in Armenia from a number of countries aimed at helping their Armenian colleagues and exchanging experiences. In the framework of the fight against COVID 19, assistance in different forms was received from a number of friendly countries of Armenia and international organizations, especially, financial, technical assistances, medical equipment, accessories, disinfectants, personal protective measures etc.
Zareh Sinanyan noted that during the war a large amount of humanitarian aid and financial support was received from Diaspora. Artsakh citizens who took refuge also received support.
A lot of Diaspora Armenians arrived in Armenia directed to the volunteering during the Artsakh war.
9,597 foreign citizens accepted the citizenship of the RA in 2020. 1,500 of them received permanent citizenship of the RA, and 401 – special status.
The draft law of the RA on Repatriation, as well as the work of privileges and guarantees given to the repatriates - from this law continued to be revised with the relevant NA committee.
Amendments and Addenda were made to the RA Law on Customs Regulation, as a result of which the conditions for the import of the repatriates’ goods and loads through the customs border were improved.
After the disaster in Beirut, the humanitarian aid was sent to Beirut by 3 airplanes aimed at helping the Armenian community. About 2000 Lebanese-Armenians arrived in Armenia, they received support on housing, education and health.