Migration is rapidly increasing in the Syunik border villages of Khoznavar, Vaghatour, and Khnatsakh, driven by persistent joblessness and security concerns, according to MP Garnik Danielyan.

Member of Parliament from the Armenia faction, Garnik Danielyan, reported on his recent visit to the border villages of Khoznavar, Vaghatour, Khnatsakh, and Karashen in Armenia's Syunik province. He was accompanied by fellow MPs Gegham Manukyan and Vahe Sargsyan.

Danielyan noted that these villages are experiencing a significant outflow of residents. “Youth no longer see a future in these areas,” he wrote on Facebook.

He stated that following the handover of Berdzor, these villages have come under direct threat, surrounded on three sides and regularly shelled.

“Since the 2020 war, large portions of pastures and meadows in Khoznavar, Vaghatour, and Khnatsakh have come under Azerbaijani control. This has severely impacted livestock and beekeeping—vital sources of income,” Danielyan explained. Farmers also expressed concerns over rumors that 5% of collected milk might be taxed, a move that could force many to abandon livestock farming altogether.

Infrastructure conditions are also dire. Roads in these villages and surrounding areas, including intercommunity routes in Goris, are in poor shape, though some construction work has recently started.

The growing wave of emigration is attributed to a combination of unemployment and security threats. Residents face daily hardships, including increased tax burdens on small rural shops and street vendors, many of whom are now at risk of shutting down.

Despite severe socio-economic conditions, authorities have installed water meters and banned villagers from using natural spring water from nearby mountains—resources that were previously freely accessible. Villagers are also being fined by environmental inspectors for collecting wooden sticks from forests to support bean plants.

Most troubling, Danielyan emphasized, is the overwhelming sense of hopelessness expressed by residents. “Border villages under enemy surveillance must feel the daily presence and care of the state and authorities,” his statement concluded.