Introducing the newest International Fellow:
by Zofia Bałdyga
The high level of both temporary and
permanent labor migration from Armenia is considered as an issue of fundamental
importance for the state and for the society. The phenomenon of both permanent
and pendulum migration from Armenia was examined by various institutions. It
was a subject of interest of several think tanks (International Center for Human Development) (ICHD)), research centers (CRRC-Armenia),
NGOs active in the field of development aid (People in
Need), migration (IOM), and humanitarian
organizations (Caritas).
In addition, migration management
facilitation is a high priority issue for wide range of international and
foreign counterparts. Indeed, EU
Advisory Group aims to provide Armenian
government with tailored expert advice and to ensure that good practices
designed and implemented in European Union member states are promoted and
facilitated in Armenia. This initiative seems to be a meaningful example of
deep understanding of a cooperation need between countries that accept or release migrants.
Another project, “Strengthening Evidence-Based Management of
Labor Migration in Armenia”, jointly implemented by ICHD and IOM, could
serve as a good model for creating networks between destination countries and
countries of origin to prevent irregular
migration of Armenian residents through regulation and to facilitate the
employment possibilities both for potential employers and employees. Additionally, the project is appealed to assist
competent Armenian Private Employment Agencies striving to compete on the
European labor market by enhancing their service delivery, and to foster
circular labor migration (CLM) between Armenia and the EU.
In
Armenia, migration is very often perceived as a one-way road leading from
Armenia to the CIS countries, United States, Canada or European Union member
states. Nevertheless, I do believe that this road is bidirectional. I see
well-managed circular labor migration as an opportunity to combat irregular and
illegal migration and to bring gained skills and capital back to Armenia.
Though, circular
migration existed in Armenia life since Soviet times, the relevant state policy
is still underdeveloped, while the CLM model is strongly and widely advocated
by European Union policy advisers. CLM could be seen as an instrument to regulate
seasonal
work in Russia, traditionally being the main and preferred
destination of low and medium-skilled circular labor migrants from Armenia. The
main advantage of organized CLM schemes would be the holistic assistance to the
job-seekers ensuring that their rights as workers are protected. Successful
implementation of this conceptualization shall involve NGO sector, governmental
and employment agencies, both private and public.
Bilateral
agreements on workers mobility are subject of interest of both Armenia and EU
member states. As an example, the Polish case could be mentioned. Polish
Migration Policy, an official document reflecting the governmental
approach to migration and integration of third country nationals to the
Republic of Poland, confirms that the vision of potential regulations of
migration flows between the countries is very congruent and enables bilateral
cooperation. Moreover, Poland has declared a political will to develop its
relations with Eastern Partnership countries, and, in particular, now Armenians are able to get the work permit for Poland
through the simplified
scheme.
As a young researcher from Poland
experienced in migration policy analysis, I have always been longing for
gaining work experience and deeper insight into migration profile and migration
policy measures developed in traditional emigration countries, citizens of
which I have been encountering on a daily basis during my work in Warsaw. In 2012,
I was given an enriching opportunity to work with ULISSES unit, a division
within ICHD, responsible for implementation of the above mentioned project. As an intern, I
was responsible for European stakeholders identification and external
communications with foreign counterparts, as well as for legal framework and
seasonal employment regulations analysis. During the two months of my internship, I
developed a deep interest in Armenian migration policy towards circular
migrants and returnees. In summer 2013, I returned to Yerevan and
to ICHD to support the project team as a CLM Expert.
Now, I am joining CRRC-Armenia
as an International Fellow to gain more profound scientific insight into the
phenomenon of temporary migration from Armenia. In addition, I am deeply
interested in push factors repelling Armenian citizens from their homeland,
such as unemployment, lack of career development opportunities, or women's underprivileged
situation in the labor market.
Furthermore, mentioned developments show
that CLM management is a promising field that might lead to fruitful
international cooperation and shall bring Armenian citizens enriching
opportunities to develop their careers and gain new skills. I believe that, to
achieve this goal, policy makers, researchers, and NGO workers have to
cooperate and monitor the migration patterns development and consequences. This
belief has influenced my decision to stay in Armenia and continue working on
migration issues.
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