Armenia: Information on whether a person who was born in Armenia and lived there until 1976, moved to Azerbaijan and lived there until August 1990, moved back to Armenia and lived there until June 1993, and subsequently moved to Canada would be entitled to Armenian citizenship, and if so, what the application procedure would be
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 June 1994 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | AMN17787.E |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Armenia: Information on whether a person who was born in Armenia and lived there until 1976, moved to Azerbaijan and lived there until August 1990, moved back to Armenia and lived there until June 1993, and subsequently moved to Canada would be entitled to Armenian citizenship, and if so, what the application procedure would be, 1 June 1994, AMN17787.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6ab751c.html [accessed 18 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
According to an official at the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in Washington, a draft of the new Armenian law on citizenship was put before the country's parliament in May 1994 (23 June 1994). However, the official stated that the draft was subsequently rejected and sent back for revision (ibid.).
The official stated that for the time being, the legal basis for the conferral of citizenship is a section of Armenia's 23 August 1990 declaration of independence (ibid.). He stated that the declaration states that all individuals who were living within the territory of Armenia at the time of the country's independence are entitled to citizenship, and that Armenians who were living abroad at the time have the right to apply (ibid.). However, the official added that the exact procedures by which Armenians living outside the country can apply are yet to be determined (ibid.).
The official stated that in the interim, if a person wishes to apply for Armenian citizenship, embassy personnel have been instructed to accept applications and forward them for further consideration to a special presidential bureau known as the Department of Citizenship, Clemency and Awards (ibid.).
The official stated that Armenians living abroad who wish to become citizens must contact an Armenian embassy and request a citizenship application package. This package consists of an application form and letter listing the documents that must accompany the application (ibid.). He added that application packages can be requested in person, by mail or by telephone (ibid.).
In addition to the completed application form, individuals must also submit a letter stating their motivations for wishing to become an Armenian citizen, a copy of their passport (preferably their ex-Soviet passport) or other identification, an autobiography, two passport-size photos and copies of documents proving permanent residence status in the country in which they currently reside (ibid.).
According to the most current drafts of Armenia's citizenship law available to the DIRB, citizenship can be acquired through recognition, birth, naturalization, restoration or other means provided for by law (UNHCR July 1993, 12-13; Armenia, n.d.). For additional information, please refer to the attached documents.
This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.
References
Armenia. n.d. The Law of the Republic of Armenia on the Citizenship of the Republic of Armenia. Unofficial translation of draft.
Embassy of the Republic of Armenia, Washington, DC. 23 June 1994. Telephone interview with official.
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Regional Bureau for Europe . July 1993. Nationality Laws in the Former USSR Republics. Geneva: UNHCR.
Attachments
Armenia. n.d. The Law of the Republic of Armenia on the Citizenship of the Republic of Armenia. Unofficial translation of draft.
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Regional Bureau for Europe . July 1993. Nationality Laws in the Former USSR Republics. Geneva: UNHCR.
