The first problem facing Syrian-Armenians on arrival in Armenia is settlement and work, Berj Kirazian, a founding member of the Aleppo Compatriotic Charitable Organization (ACCO) NGO, told Tert.am.
Syrian-Armenians are faced with an adaptation problem as well.
“People did not bring much money with them to be able to resolve their housing problem at once. They could not sell their flats or businesses to be able to start new businesses here. Most of them were forced to arrive without much money. Of course, the housing problem is the most serious problem throughout the world despite the aid by the government and different NGOs. They are unable to help everyone,” Mr Kirazian said.
As regards the employment problem, he said that Syrian-Armenians are mostly craftsmen – jewelers, car repair technicians, cooks. And people that could find jobs are successfully working, while others have to do any job.
“Education is available due to special classes, and teachers help children adapt as soon as possible. They receive help in tuition fees and all of them can continue their education,” Mr Kirazian said.
Firdus Zakarian, Head of Staff, Ministry of Diaspora of Armenia, said that more than 21,000 people have arrived in Armenia from Syria in the last three years, with more than 16,000 living in Armenia now.
“Four thousand Armenians returned to Syrian during these years. Most of them arrived in Armenia in the summer and autumn of 2012, when the war broke out, and they were waiting for further developments. And more than 1,000 Syrian-Armenians left Armenia for other countries,” he said.
Most of the Syrian-Armenians, 97-98 percent, are living in Yerevan.
“We have made repeated attempts to persuade them to move a little farther from Yerevan, but they refuse.”
Speaking of the housing problem, Mr. Zakarian said that the needy families’ rents will be paid by the government by means of a number of NGOs.
“The State Migration Service is dealing with the housing problem of the Syrian-Armenians that arrived in 2012. Besides, a number of philanthropists are willing to host Syrian-Armenians.
“As to new Syrian-Armenian families arriving in Armenia, different NGOs are helping them. Every year, 600 families’ rents are paid as long as they can find jobs and are able to cover their expenses,” the official said.
Speaking of medical service, Mr. Zakarian said that all Syrian-Armenians receive free medical aid, and 3,000 Syrian-Armenians have received free medical services in the last three years.
Students’ tuition fees are covered 75%, and motorists promptly receive driving licenses
