The legislative initiative adopted by Armenia’s National Assembly, which proposes a unified electronic system for acquiring and terminating citizenship, could become either an advanced administrative solution or a potential threat to the country’s security and legality.
At first glance, the project aims to simplify administrative procedures, transitioning from paper-based processes to the digital era. According to Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Armen Ghazaryan, the electronic system will allow preliminary verification of documents and streamline inquiries and responses between various state bodies, including the Ministry of Defense, the National Security Service, and the Police. This promises to accelerate procedures and improve efficiency.
However, concerns arise over whether this system can fully ensure the necessary level of security. Weaknesses in safeguarding sensitive processes could expose the state to vulnerabilities. Specifically, there is a risk that incorrect or incomplete verification of electronic applications could be exploited for unlawful purposes.
Another issue lies in the significant increase in state fees. The proposed changes raise the citizenship acquisition fee to 50,000 AMD and termination fee to 150,000 AMD, representing a dramatic increase from the current fees of 1,000 AMD and 25,000 AMD, respectively. While the government justifies the hike by noting that these fees haven’t been revised in over 30 years, such a sharp rise could impose challenges, especially for refugees and economically disadvantaged individuals.
The draft also includes a 15-day period for completing missing documentation, which appears to be a reasonable step. However, questions arise as to whether this timeframe is sufficient in all cases, particularly for individuals facing technical or logistical barriers.
While the project is aimed at modernization and increased efficiency, it deserves closer scrutiny. Without proper oversight, digitization can open doors to violations and security risks. The government must ensure that the new system is highly secure, the legal framework is clearly defined, and potential risks are minimized.
In conclusion, the initiative currently raises more questions than it provides answers. It is essential for the proposal to undergo comprehensive evaluation to ensure that Armenia’s processes for acquiring and terminating citizenship are both modernized and secure.