A new report examines the human rights situation of Indian labour migrants in Armenia. It reveals a complex reality behind a migration route that is quietly expanding.
Armenia has recently opened its labour market to more foreign workers. As a result, work permit procedures have become easier. The digital platform workpermit.am plays an important role in this process. These reforms have made it easier for third-country nationals to work in the country and created new opportunities for labour migration.
But research based on in-depth interviews with Indian migrant workers shows that the reality on the ground is far more complicated.
The report documents a mixed picture. Some migrants describe stable jobs and respectful employers. However, others report informal work arrangements, delayed wages, unsafe working environments and limited access to legal protection or healthcare. For many, uncertainty about their legal status makes it difficult to seek help or challenge exploitative conditions.
Why Indian Labour Migrants Are Coming to Armenia
One of the most striking findings concerns the motivations that bring many Indian migrants to Armenia in the first place. Several interviewees said recruitment agents in India promoted Armenia as a possible stepping stone to Europe. These expectations often influence migration decisions long before workers arrive.
Once in Armenia, however, many migrants find themselves working in physically demanding sectors such as construction, manufacturing, agriculture, retail and delivery services. Working hours can be long, safety protections inconsistent and formal contracts rare. While Armenia’s legal framework allows foreign workers to obtain work permits and temporary residence cards, the research shows that many migrants remain outside the formal system.
Without proper documentation, workers face significant vulnerability. Informal employment can limit access to public services, reduce job security and increase the risk of wage exploitation. Language barriers and lack of reliable information further complicate migrants’ ability to navigate administrative procedures or seek legal protection.
At the same time, the report also highlights important opportunities for reform. Armenia’s evolving labour migration system and the ongoing EU–Armenia visa liberalization process create momentum for strengthening labour protections and aligning migration governance with international human rights standards.
Ensuring that labour migration operates within a framework of rights, dignity and fair working conditions will require coordinated action from government institutions, employers, civil society and international partners.
Working Conditions of Indian Labour Migrants in Armenia
The findings presented in this research provide an important first look at the experiences of Indian migrant workers in Armenia and highlight the need for further comprehensive study.
The full report explores migrant testimonies in detail and examines how gaps in labour regulation, enforcement and access to information can increase vulnerability for migrant workers.
Read the full report on Araminta to learn more about the experiences of Indian labour migrants in Armenia and the policy steps that could help transform labour migration into a system that protects workers while supporting economic development.
Photo: excerpt was released under the Creative Commons license option on YouTube before August 2025. (YouTube changed the license version from CC BY 3.0 to 4.0 on August 1; this was not retroactive.)For videos uploaded or licensed after July 2025 use {{YouTube CC-BY 4.0}} The file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license. Attribution: Narendra Modi