In Partnership with Hovnanian Foundation, Office of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs Finalizes Location for Repatriation and Integration Center
In partnership with the Hrair and Anna Hovnanian Foundation, the Office of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs has secured a location for its upcoming Repatriation and Integration Center in Yerevan. A government decree was issued formalizing the partnership and solidifying the next step toward creating this comprehensive resource hub.
Recognizing mass repatriation as a strategic priority for the Republic of Armenia, and understanding the difficulties many repatriates face when making the move, the Office of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs began this project with the objective to incentivize and ease their transition into Armenian society. In support of this objective, the Hrair and Anna Hovnanian Foundation will provide over 300 square meters of space for the Center’s activities free of charge.
“We are grateful for this partnership with the Hovnanian Foundation and look forward to working together,” said High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs, Zareh Sinanyan. “Throughout the years, the Hovnanian Foundation has not only provided extensive support to the Republic of Armenia, but has also sponsored organizations that have been catalysts for repatriation.”
In order to support repatriates, the Center will assign individuals and families to Integration Support Specialists for individualized support throughout the entire process, from pre-departure and moving to settling into life in Armenia. Integration Support Specialists will consult and provide practical support on a number of matters, including citizenship and residency, legal issues, education and culture, taxes and registration, employment, banking and finance, among many others. Dominant language in the Diaspora will be accommodated, including Eastern and Western Armenian, English and Russian. In addition, the Center will provide free of charge Eastern Armenian language classes, as well as help create friendly connections with local and repat communities and organize forums, networking events, job fairs and professional training courses.
About the Office of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs
Established in 2019 within the Office of the Prime Minister, the Office of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs is responsible for developing and implementing the strategies and policies for Armenia-Diaspora relations, including supporting and encouraging repatriation, ensuring smooth societal integration for repatriates, and mapping the Diaspora’s potential. The Office is made up of a diverse team of individuals, some of whom represent Diaspora communities from around the world.