Since 2007, the Republic of Artsakh has registered considerable growth of population. Over the 8 years, the population increased by 8%, and 3.5% of them (about 4100 people) resulted from the resettlement program.

Mediamax found out in which phase the repatriation program is now in and what conditions of repatriation are offered by the government.

Settlers of 16 years

16 years ago, the Serobyans family left their house in Charentsavan for moving to Artsakh. They decided to settle in Karvachar and start a new life because of tough social situation.

''We had hopes for better life in Artsakh and our hopes were justified. We are very happy to have come here'', said the daughter Roza Serobyan who after graduating from Artsakh State University works as a teacher at the Karvachar school.

The start of the new life was no easy for the family. However, the family were not intimidated by starting everything from scratch in the post-war areas.

''When we moved in, we didn't have a TV set or phone, we had electricity only for certain hours. We went from Karvachar to Vardenis to buy food. We brought food for about a month as there was no transport. It was very tough. We settled in a guesthouse. After a year or two, we already built a house for us - of course, it’s not in a good condition. But it's ok, we build it ourselves'', Roza Serobyan says.

According to her, comparing their previous and current conditions, obviously now they live better. They are employed and it's easier to earn a living.

Conditions of resettlement

Head of Territorial Administration and Resettlement Department of the NKR government Zhirayr Mirzoyan assures they receive all the Armenians who express the will to live there permanently.

In case of other countries’ citizens, he notes that the issues of citizenship, dual citizenship or permanent/temporary residence should be settled.

“We have over 200 potential repatriate families who want to move here for good”, Zhirayr Mirzoyan says to Mediamax.

According to Territorial Administration and Resettlement Department, growing families of 2 or more people get one-time money to move, address social issues and settle as soon as possible.

According to the decision of the NKR government, a private house or apartment is provided with the right of use within 10 years, and it is handed over to the family in case the obligations are met (return of loans and permanent residence) with the right of joint ownership.

Since 2009, the reconstruction program for building apartments with the materials allocated by the state has been implemented.

Each resettled family is given 6000 square meters of area for permanent use. The family is exempt of communal charges for 5 years.

As a reimbursement for electricity and wood, each family member is allocated AMD 1100 on average monthly in Kashatagh and Shahumyan districts of Artsakh.

Unlike previous years, now the repatriate families are allocated budget loans with benefits to set up their own micro businesses.

Overall, the government of Artsakh spends around USD49 thousand on each family (of on average 4 persons.)

Resettlement program today

According to Zhirayr Mirzoyan, repatriation as a strategic component of state policy is dynamically developing.

“Today, we’re faced with an issue of coordinating the repatriation flow, improving the social conditions of repatriates and creating normal living conditions for each family. Naturally, this principled approach requires more financial and material means”, he says.

Zhirayr Mirzoyan notes that Artsakh is now perceived as a safe area beneficial for entrepreneurship.

Marie Taryan