YEREVAN/DEC. 14 2022 (The Bulletin) — Armenia’s government signed a deal with the UAE to allow migrant workers to find employment in the Gulf state, reducing its reliance on Russia.
Russia’s influence has plunged after it invaded Ukraine in February. Since then, it has been considered as a pariah state and its economy has suffered under pressure from US-led sanctions that have aimed to cut it out of the global economy.
In Dubai, Narek Mkrtchyan, Armenia’s minister of labour, said he wanted to “strengthen the cooperation between the two countries”.
The deal increases regulation of UAE companies hiring labour from Armenia. It also encourages UAE companies to recruit from Armenia.
This year, remittances to Armenia from Russia have risen by 70% as Russians fled mobilisation but the number of Armenians employed in Russia, an important pillar of the Armenian economy, has fallen.
Armenia has traditionally been a staunch supporter of Russia but its migrant deal with the UAE is another sign of this bond weakening.
ENDS
— This story was published in issue 531 of the Central Asia & South Caucasus Bulletin, on Dec. 19 2022
— Copyright the Central Asia & South Caucasus Bulletin 2022