Special Armenian Passports Being Issued In Honor of 1700th A

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Special Armenian Passports Being Issued In Honor of 1700th Anniversary

This year Armenia celebrates two epochal events: the 1700th anniversary of the adoption of Christianity as the state religion, and the tenth anniversary of Armenia’s independence from the Soviet Union.. Special events celebrating the double anniversaries will take place throughout the year 2001, culminating on September 21. Having an Armenian Special Passport will greatly facilitate your travel to Armenia for attending the celebrations in Yerevan as well as for your trips to Armenia in the future.

 

The Law on Legal Status of Foreign Citizens in the Republic of Armenia, enacted in 1994, allows foreign citizens to receive a Special Residency Status in the Republic of Armenia. The Special Residency Status is granted by the President of Armenia to the foreign citizens to receive a Special Residency Status in the Republic of Armenian. The Special Residency Status is granted by the President of Armenia to foreign citizens of Armenian ancestry and other distinguished individuals, who have provided significant services to the Armenian nation/or are engaged in economic and cultural activities in Armenia. The Special Residency Status is granted for a ten-year term and may be extended upon request.

 

Those granted Special Residency Status will be issued Special Armenian Passports and will no longer be required to obtain entry visas for traveling to Armenia. They will enjoy the full protection of the Armenian law, as well as the rights and obligations of Armenian citizens, except for the right to vote and run for office, enroll in political organizations, and the right to own land (the holder of Special Passport may own all other types of property or lease the land). They will be exempt from military service in the Armenian National Army.

 

The survivors of the Armenian Genocide are granted Special Passports through a facilitated procedure, and the application fee is waived.

 

The Armenian genocide has recently taken steps to improve the business environment in Armenia. In particular, the Armenian Tax Code was overhauled, and the Personal Income Tax, the Profit Tax, and the payroll taxes have been reduced. Together with the commitment of the Armenian authorities to attract and assist foreign investment, the new requirements will help to cultivate a favorable environment for businesses in Armenia. Armenian-American businessmen are encouraged to take this opportunity to contribute to the economic growth in Armenia, and facilitate closer ties between Diaspora Armenians and their historic homeland. Receiving a Special Armenian Passport will greatly assist those who are interested in pursuing business interests in Armenia.

 

“The important steps of the Armenian government provide a logical link to tie Diaspora Armenians to their homeland, by giving them a real opportunity to be actively involved in the social, economic and cultural life in Armenia”, said Armenia’s Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Arman Kirakossian.

 

For more detailed information and application forms, please call the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia at (202) 319-2983, (202) 319-1976, or Consulate General in Beverly Hills, CA at (310) 657-6102.