We propose to launch a new program that will apply to our compatriots displaced from Karabakh, who currently have the right to receive the certificates that we provide, but, based on family or other status, will not be able to. Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Arsen Torosyan stated this during Thursday’s Cabinet meeting of the Armenian government.

“These are mainly small families having 1-3 members, who have a deep disability or severe disability category, or are elderly, and we offer them an alternative with this program. The alternative is as follows: that if they meet all the conditions that enable them to use the certificate (it is mainly the [Armenian] citizenship requirement), but will not be able to, because that amount will be small. Let's say it’s a family of 1 or 2 people, and even with the highest amount, they will not be able to realize the certificate, we will give them the opportunity to register on the waiting list of our social housing fund program as a potential beneficiary of the housing fund.

But since at that moment we will probably not be able to give them that housing fund, because we do not have that many apartments yet, we will give them partial compensation for the rent in the amount of 40 thousand drams for 10 years. During the 10 years, if they have social housing in a place close to their residence and close to their vital interests, we will offer them to move to that apartment at some stage as a more stable place to live. If they refuse at that moment, they will be deprived of that measure. If they agree, they will continue to live in our social housing fund,” said Torosyan.

According to the minister, the logic of this project is that its beneficiaries will probably not be able to work, generate additional funds, or pay a mortgage. This is one regulation.

“According to another regulation, if it is a family of two, their cumulative age must exceed 115 years. If calculated per person, then one person may be, say, 57 years old, the other 59. And if it is a family of 3, it must exceed 175 years old. With this, we are solving the issue of housing for small families,” the minister said.

The system will start on July 1, 2026.

In turn, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan spoke about two other draft decisions included in the Cabinet meeting’s unreported matters, which also relate to support for displaced persons from Nagorno-Karabakh. One concerns certain social groups that the Armenian government supports in terms of housing rent. This program was supposed to end on December 31, as it was assumed that they would benefit from the housing program and there would be no need to pay rent for the apartment. Accordingly, it was decided that the program for those who have not purchased an apartment will be extended for at least one year. But the condition is that the apartment will be purchased.

Another decision that will contribute to promoting employment for displaced persons from Nagorno-Karabakh concerns those displaced persons who have benefited from the housing program with the logic of establishing a small business in Armenia. They will be provided with support to engage in certain economic activities. The support will be in the form of training within the framework of preferences, with the attachment of a professional mentor who will guide them in creating a business and achieving success. Support for the purchase of equipment is also planned.