The Role of Community in Armenia’s Welcoming of Returnees
Making the decision to move to Armenia is the first - and most important - step in the repatriation process. When you arrive in the country, the prospect of integrating might seem like a monumental task. Moving to an unfamiliar place with new laws, customs, and practices might seem overwhelming at first.
If you are wondering how to adapt in Armenia, you are in luck. The country has a wealth of resources available to assist repats in the integration process. From official government resources to community programs and even social groups, Armenia has everything repats might need to become full-fledged members of their new communities.
The Role of Armenian Communities in the Repatriation Process
Armenian communities offer vital assistance to new members when they move to Armenia. Both official and unofficial channels are available to assist people upon arrival with everything they need to get started on their new lives. The Repat Armenia provides repats with essential services such as:
-Moving support
-Consultation services on employment, education, and healthcare
-Social and professional networking support
-Armenian language classes
-Consultation services on employment, education, and healthcare
-Social and professional networking support
-Armenian language classes
Repat Armenia and related organizations also have connections to diasporan communities worldwide. In addition, local communities based in churches and Armenian cultural centers often have links to the country and can assist repats with beginning the integration process. While not everything can be completed remotely, getting started with Armenian repatriation early can offer repats a great deal of psychological reassurance.
Government and Institutional Support for Repatriates
Beyond the informal and non-governmental support that Armenian organizations offer, the government itself offers a wide range of support services for repats. The High Commissioner's Office for Diaspora Affairs has services available for every practical aspect of repatriation. Aside from providing advice on education, healthcare, and social services, the Ministry assists repats with many official procedures. This includes obtaining citizenship and residency permits; providing information on customs and taxes; and business registration.
The main government website also offers a wealth of resources to repats. The newly-digitized system allows for easy bill payment, tax filing, digital ID card creation, and many other services that people need in their daily lives. In fact, the brand new system is far more advanced than many government sites are in the West.
Social Integration Challenges for Repatriates
Completing bureaucratic procedures is only part of the challenge that repats face with integration in Armenia. There are also more general issues that new repats often have. They are confronted not only with new and possibly confusing policies, but also more subtle day-to-day challenges. Daily rituals are different, people sometimes struggle with standards about order, privacy, and other general matters.
Fortunately, one of the best things about integration in Armenia is the tremendous support that communities give to their members. When you move to the country, your community truly becomes a second family. Whether it be urgent medical help or babysitting or professional networking that you need, your community in Armenia will always be there for you. And perhaps most importantly, there are strong repat networks in the country where people share similar concerns and offer each other help when necessary.
The Long-Term Benefits of Successful Integration
Fully integrating into Armenian society is often an extended process. It is perfectly normal to go through a lot of ups and downs as you become more involved in your community. This is why taking advantage of official and unofficial channels is critical to long-term success.
Once you become integrated, there are innumerable benefits that you will receive. Beyond the obvious benefits of having a new job, enjoying a lower cost of living, and having easy access to things like healthcare and social services, you will benefit on a fundamental level. Repats often find that extended residence in the country helps them fully realize their Armenianness. You become part of a diverse yet integrated community in which you feel a common purpose with your fellow members.
Well Worth the Effort
For all these reasons, many repats’ lives are tremendously enriched by Armenian repatriation. Hearing about the fatherland in church and community activities can be a nice introduction to the country, but in no way can it compare to actually living there. Even visiting doesn’t offer nearly the personal satisfaction that long-term residence does. When you make the decision to move to Armenia, be sure to give it time. Take advantage of both institutional and community resources. In the end, you will find that Armenia offers everything you ever dreamed about the homeland and more.
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