Often, people in difficult life situations perceive migration abroad—particularly to Europe or the United States—as the sole solution to their social challenges. However, organising a dignified life abroad is often considerably more challenging than it first appears. The risks faced by people living with undocumented migrant status are, naturally, hidden from view. The trend of social media to only highlight success stories paints an idealised picture of life abroad. While regular and legal migration can yield tangible benefits and provide secure status, undocumented migration presents a far more complex and unpredictable reality. In such situations, remaining abroad brings numerous challenges tied to the host country's laws, values, and cultural mores.
Population of Armenia is currently less than 3 million, while over 11 million Armenians live abroad. Armenia is facing huge migration, which is challenging for the state and also for the people who decided to leave their homes.
Furthermore, in certain contexts, the rate of rejection for asylum applications is almost guaranteed. For example, 96% of asylum applications from Armenia to Europe are rejected, underscoring the fact that legal migration often leads to wasted time, depleted resources, disappointment, and irreversible consequences. Migration is a choice—one often made in difficult circumstances—and it is crucial to thoroughly examine the risks and opportunities before making such a decision.
We share honest conversations with Hovhannes and Samvel, who have weighed the risks and consequences of illegal migration.
He was aghast by the complexity of obtaining refugee status in France and the high likelihood of rejection.
Hovhannes and his brother also went to Europe in search of work. While the language barrier was less of an issue for these younger Armenians, homesickness and limited opportunities compelled them to reconsider their decision. Ultimately, they returned to Armenia to explore new ways of organising their lives.
The experiences of Samvel and Hovhannes remind us that quality of life is not solely determined by location but by stable and realistic decisions. Migration is a serious choice that should be grounded in reality rather than illusions.
In Armenia, local and international organisations, along with government institutions, provide various forms of support and opportunities for business establishment, which can be invaluable for individuals facing challenging circumstances. At People in Need (PIN) we—alongside partner organisations—offer social services and assistance, helping individuals find innovative solutions. Through collaboration with dozens of social organisations, numerous social programmes have been mapped out to support those in need.
This article was produced as part of our "Reinforcement of the Migration Management System in the Republic of Armenia - ReMMAr" project. ReMMAr is co-funded by the European Union through the Migration Partnership Facility (MPF) implemented by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD).
