Armenian government exempts immigrants from Syria from duties

Today, the government has approved the draft amendments to the law "On State Duty", which refer to compatriots from abroad, especially from Syria, who arrive in Armenia. Under the amendments, the compatriots are exempt from state taxes and duties in case of expiry of their visas and residence permits.

The decision applies not only to Syrian Armenians, but also to citizens of Armenian origin from other foreign countries, where events may pose a threat to their life and health.

"If an emergency situation develops, and our compatriots are not guilty of inability to follow the formal procedures, we free them from sanctions and penalties and provide them with the most comfortable conditions, so that they can solve their problems while staying at home," said the Prime Minister Tigran Sarkisyan.

As reported by Granush Akopyan, Minister for Diaspora Matters, the terms of visas and residence permits have expired in many Syrian Armenians who stay in Armenia. According to her story, for extension of a visa for one day they have to pay a state fee of 500 drams (1.2 US dollars), and to obtain a residence permit – 105-140 thousand drams (256-341 US dollars).