A group unnamed Javakhk Armenian intellectuals residing in Akhalkalak has sent a letter to Armenian National Assembly President Galust Sahakyan (now heading a delegation to Georgia) complaining that recent changes to Georgian  residency laws have prevented many Javakhk Armenians from leading normal lives.

They point to changes that now only allow foreign citizens in Georgia to apply for a residency visa, good for just 90 days, after a three month hiatus.

In essence, the authors of the letter argue that thousands of Javakhk Armenians who renounced   Georgian citizenship and received either Armenian or Russian citizenship instead (in order to travel to Russia for seasonal work after the 2008 Russo-Georgian War), can now only legally reside in Georgia for six months out of the year.

They claim that contrary to Georgian assurances that individuals in such a predicament will be easily afforded permanent residency status, thousands have had their applications rejected.

They have called on Galustyan to negotiate with Georgian authorities on the matter so that all Javakhk Armenians caught up in this ‘catch-22’ be granted permanent residency papers.

A group unnamed Javakhk Armenian intellectuals has sent a letter to Armenian National Assembly President Galust Sahakyan (now heading a delegation to Georgia) complaining that recent changes to Georgian  residency laws have prevented many Javakhk Armenians from leading normal lives.

They point to changes that now only allow foreign citizens in Georgia to apply for a residency visa, good for just 90 days, after a three month hiatus.

In essence, the authors of the letter argue that thousands of Javakhk Armenians who renounced   Georgian citizenship and received either Armenian or Russian citizenship instead (in order to travel to Russia for seasonal work after the 2008 Russo-Georgian War), can now only legally reside in Georgia for six months out of the year.

They claim that contrary to Georgian assurances that individuals in such a predicament will be easily afforded permanent residency status, thousands have had their applications rejected.

They have called on Galustyan to negotiate with Georgian authorities on the matter so that all Javakhk Armenians caught up in this ‘catch-22’ be granted permanent residency papers.

Photo: Galust Sahakyan (Armenian National Assembly President)