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3 minute read

A Guide to Employee Background Checks in Armenia

Legal & compliance

Employee background checks

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Author

Michał Kowalewski

Published

August 14, 2024

Last Update

January 31, 2025

Table of Contents

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Key Takeaways
  1. Armenia stands out in the region for its stable and growing economy, making it an attractive destination for foreign businesses
  2. Background checks are an important tool to help verify potential employee credentials and secure the best talent
  3. Armenia has strong data and privacy protection legislation. Compliance with this legislation is crucial to avoid potential legal consequences

A Guide to Employee Background Checks in Armenia

Employee background checks should be an integral part of your hiring process in Armenia. Although not mandatory, they are a common practice, especially in finance, healthcare, education, and government organizations.

Despite economic turmoil caused by COVID-19, global financial instability, and the ongoing conflict with Azerbaijan, Armenia has maintained a consistently solid and reliable economic landscape, which places the country in the top positions in the region for freedom of doing business. With optimistic growth forecasts for the coming years, Armenia can attract foreign investors and businesses looking to expand their foothold in the region.

In this optimistic, but relatively young international business environment, background checks are an invaluable tool to ensure hiring efforts lead to the best and most reliable talent, while also confirming candidate credentials and their eligibility to live and work in the country.

In this article, you’ll learn: How to run an effective and legal employment screening in Armenia What the common types of employee checks are in Armenia How to conduct a thorough employee screening, step by step What mistakes to avoid when performing a background check in Armenia

Essential information for a background check in Armenia

Even though the right to data protection is already enshrined in art. 34 of the Armenian Constitution, in light of the increasing importance of data protection and privacy, especially in the context of international development, Armenia has been developing and implementing a solid data protection legal framework in recent years, which covers topics such as consent to data treatment, data handling, security, and processing, as well as the rights of data subjects.

  • The Law on Personal Data Protection (2015), is the primary source that governs data handling and privacy. While not directly connected to the European GDPR, it is closely modeled on it.
  • The Personal Data Protection Agency (PDPA) is the authority responsible for overseeing the implementation of data protection laws in Armenia. It monitors compliance, handles complaints, and can impose penalties for violations.
  • Armenia participates in international agreements for the protection of data, such as the Council of Europe’s Convention for the Protection of Individuals with regard to Automatic Processing of Personal Data (Convention 108).

Are background checks legal in Armenia?

Yes, background checks are legal in Armenia, provided they are conducted within the boundaries of the Law on Personal Data Protection and other relevant legislation. Employers must obtain explicit consent from candidates before initiating any form of background check. It's also essential to limit the scope of the check to information that is directly relevant to the job position to avoid any legal pitfalls.

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What types of background checks are illegal in Armenia?

Certain types of background checks are restricted under Armenian law, especially those that intrude on an individual's privacy without just cause or lack the necessary consent. For example:

  • Accessing medical records without explicit permission or requesting medical examinations for reasons not directly related to the job, and only if the job requires them, is not permitted.
  • Any form of discrimination based on race, gender, religion, or other protected characteristics, that may come as a consequence of a background check is prohibited.
  • In most cases, background checks that are not relevant to the the role are not allowed.

Common background check industries

In Armenia, various industries rely on employee background checks to ensure the integrity and reliability of their workforce. Some of the common industries where background checks are prevalent include:

  • Finance and banking: In Armenia's growing financial sector, background checks are crucial to prevent fraud, ensure the responsible management of funds, and protect sensitive customer information. These checks are key to maintaining trust in the financial institutions operating within the country.
  • Healthcare and education: Jobs in Armenia's healthcare and education sectors often involve direct contact with vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly. Background checks help ensure that professionals meet the necessary qualifications and have no legal history that could jeopardize the safety and well-being of those they serve.
  • Information technology: As Armenia continues to develop its IT sector, background checks are increasingly important for roles involving access to sensitive data and software development. These checks help verify the competence and integrity of professionals, safeguarding the reputation and security of the industry.
  • Mining and energy: Armenia's mining and energy sectors are vital to the national economy. Given the potential environmental and safety risks, background checks are essential to confirm that candidates possess the required certifications and have a clean legal record, ensuring compliance with industry regulations.
  • Tourism and hospitality: With a growing tourism industry, Armenia places importance on the safety and security of visitors. Background checks in the tourism and hospitality sectors help ensure that employees are trustworthy and capable of providing a safe and positive experience for tourists, thereby supporting the sector's reputation and growth.

Types of background checks in Armenia

Effective employment screening in Armenia covers essential aspects to evaluate a candidate's abilities. Knowing these areas helps employers tailor screening processes to meet job requirements and legal standards.

Type of Check Common in Armenia Reason
Criminal record Ccheck Common Ensure the candidate has no criminal history that could affect the role or pose a risk to the company, especially in sensitive sectors.
Employment verification Common Confirm previous employment history and experience to prevent resume fraud, especially for higher-level positions.
Education verification Common Verify academic credentials to ensure authenticity, particularly important for professional and specialized roles.
Reference check Common Assess the candidate’s work performance, reliability, and suitability for the role through feedback from previous employers.
Credit check Less common Primarily used for roles involving financial responsibilities to evaluate financial stability and trustworthiness.
Health and medical checks Less common Required for certain roles to ensure the candidate is physically and mentally fit for the job.
Social media screening Less common Evaluate the candidate’s online presence and behavior to ensure alignment with company values and public image.

Background check mistakes to avoid in Armenia

Employers looking to hire in Armenia should follow the list of steps below to ensure legal and effective and thorough employee background checks.

Whether you’re hiring employees or contractors in Armenia, there are a few things you shouldn’t do as an employer when it comes to background checks:

  • Ignoring consent: Failing to obtain written consent can lead to legal repercussions.
  • Overreaching: Conducting checks that are not relevant to the job role can be seen as invasive.
  • Discrimination: Avoid any checks that could be construed as discriminatory.
  • Poor documentation: Ensure all required documentation is in place, and maintain thorough records of the consent and background check process.

Step-by-step guide to employee background checks in Armenia

  1. Obtain written consent: Begin by securing explicit written consent from the candidate for the background check.
  2. Identify relevant checks: Determine which types of background checks are most pertinent to the job role.
  3. Partner with a reputable agency: Engage a professional background check agency that understands Armenian laws and cultural nuances.
  4. Verify educational credentials: Confirm the candidate's educational background, including degrees and certifications.
  5. Check employment history: Review previous employment, focusing on roles relevant to the new position.
  6. Check criminal record: Conduct a criminal record check through the Ministry of Justice, if relevant and with consent.
  7. Perform credit history check: For finance-related positions, a credit history check may be pertinent, subject to consent.
  8. Check references: Contact provided references to gain insights into the candidate's work ethic and professional demeanor.
  9. Screen social media: With consent, review public social media profiles for any potential red flags.
  10. Ensure compliance and documentation: Ensure all steps comply with Armenian laws and maintain documentation of the process.

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Vice President of Talent at Power Digital Marketing

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About the author

Michał Kowalewski a writer and content manager with 7+ years of experience in digital marketing. He spent most of his professional career working in startups and tech industry. He's a big proponent of remote work considering it not just a professional preference but a lifestyle that enhances productivity and fosters a flexible work environment. He enjoys tackling topics of venture capital, equity, and startup finance.

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