State Migration Service held public awareness event in Samukh  

State Migration Service launched awareness raising events in accordance with Action Plan which was approved on the eve of its establishment anniversary. Representative of State Migration Service drew attention to migration and migrant problem as one of the broadly discussed urgent topics of the modern world at the public awareness event held in Samukh which is included in the service area of Ganja Regional Migration Department with the participation of foreigners and stateless persons, country citizens, relevant state agencies, public organizations, employers, representatives of entrepreneurs. As President Ilham Aliyev said “A few years ago when the State Migration Service was established as an independent body in Azerbaijan, migration issues were not actual in the world as today. But having forecast future development processes, we built an effective body that reflects migration management and regulation principles so that migrants feel themselves more comfortable in Azerbaijan and these issues are addressed in compliance with domestic procedures.”

Established in 2007 State Migration Service is a central executive body with law-enforcement status which implements state policy in migration sphere, as well as competences regarding migration processes management and regulation defined by the legislation of the Republic of Azerbaijan. 

At the event it was also brought into attention that State Migration Service, which implements significant mission like protection of domestic labour market, successfully continues systematic measures for regulation of use of foreign labour force in accordance with the law. In pursuance of the goal set by the head of state in order to ensure that country citizens benefit from development of Azerbaijan in the first place, the Service successfully carries out state control over involvement of foreigners to paid labour activity only in the frame of determined quota. Control over gradual replacement of foreign personnel with local staff in oil and gas projects is also being increased.

At the meeting it was notified that strict measures against illegal migration are carried out. Infringement of administrative legislation by 26.567 foreigners and stateless persons was revealed and relevant measures were taken last year.

Detailed information on measures for elimination of statelessness in our country was given at the public awareness event as well. Information was given on results obtained by State Migration Service in this sphere. Local executive authorities were requested to provide assistance to the persons in applying to the State Migration Service in case such persons are revealed. At the same time discussions were held on grounds for issuance of temporary and permanent residence, required documents and application forms.

In total State Migration Service received 105.550 applications, as well as the Call Center of the Service received 99.439 phone calls from foreigners and stateless persons on extension of temporary staying period in the country, issuance of permits for temporary and permanent residence, admission to, revocation or restoration of citizenship, as well as establishment of citizenship and determination of refugee status, issuance of work permits for carrying out labour activity and extension of the existed ones last year. Moreover, 670,326 foreigners from those who entered the republic last year were registered upon place of stay in line with their period of stay.

Later on questions of the participants were answered and mobile service was rendered to more than 50 applicants.