Repository of Practices

Primary GCM Objectives

GCM Guiding Principles*

*All practices are to uphold the ten guiding principles of the GCM. This practice particularly exemplifies these listed principles.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Dates

2017 - Present

Type of practice

Other

Geographic scope

Summary

Assessment study was initiated and conducted within the framework of “Strengthening of Armenia’s Identity Management System” Project, aiming to articulate the assessment of Armenia’s need to establish a Work Permit System (WPIS). Based on the conducted assessment results, work permit issuance system in Armenia has been established and properly functions. WPIS has been developed and implemented within the framework of the labour migration management reforms, initiated by the Government of Armenia, and supported by the IOM. The aim of development and introduction of work permit issuance electronic system was improvement of overall security and labour market regulations. The assessment report has revealed the existing gaps and recommended the Armenian Government to pursue the work permit issuance system in an incremental phased approach to allow for bridging considerable gaps that may hinder such a system.

Organizations

Main Implementing Organization(s)

International Organization for Migration (IOM)

Partner/Donor Organizations

Migration Service of the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure of the Republic of Armenia

Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs of the Republic of Armenia

Benefit and Impact

As a key output of the Needs and Gaps Assessment Work Permit Issuance System in Armenia was the development and implementation of labour migration management reforms, particularly development of a work permit issuance system in line with best international practices, which contributes to advancing human rights of migrants. Development and introduction of WPIS is a significant milestone in terms of protecting the rights of migrants in Armenia. A well-functioning work permit issuance system will ensure the protection of migrants’ rights - both human rights and labour rights - and help regulate labour relationships with employers, making them more transparent, and contribute to mitigating labour exploitation and trafficking.

Key Lessons

The implementation of recommendations, outlined in Assessment report, needs Government leadership. The development of work permits issuance system required both changes in primary and secondary legislation, but also IT solutions. The existence of key government partner is guarantee for the success of the practice.

Recommendations(if the practice is to be replicated)

Proper assessment of the existing needs and gaps is crucial element for the overall process. Government support and overall understanding of the importance of foreign labour force regulation are the required factors for success.

Innovation

Innovative approach has been demonstrated in introduction of the work permit issuance system in Armenia, which was developed considering Assessment report’s recommendations.
One window approach was introduced for issuance of work permits to foreigners in Armenia. The work permit issuance system is electronic management registration system, serving as a tool for issuance/extension of work permits and employment contracts with foreign workers in the Republic of Armenia. The system also introduces effective mechanisms for the overall management of immigration flows and migration trends.

Additional Resources

Need Assessment Full Report

Date submitted:

09 February 2022

Disclaimer: The content of this practice reflects the views of the implementers and does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations, the United Nations Network on Migration, and its members.