Russian Government Introduces New Visa Program for Migrants with Traditional Values
The Russian government has introduced a new visa program aimed at attracting migrants who share traditional Russian spiritual and moral values. The program, which came into effect on September 1, 2024, offers a simplified and temporary residence permit in Russia for foreigners who reject the liberal and destructive values of their home countries.
The new visa, known as the “702 visa” allows migrants to enter Russia without a language test or a history of Russian language and culture, and without being limited by the government’s quota. The program is managed by the State Duma, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the non-profit organization “Welcome to Russia.”
According to Maria Butina, a member of the State Duma’s international affairs committee, the majority of migrants coming to Russia under this program are from France, Germany, Australia, the United States, and Italy. These countries, she said, are experiencing a crisis of values, with liberal and progressive ideologies dominating politics and society.
The migrants, mostly family men, are attracted to Russia’s conservative values, including the country’s stance on LGBTQ+ issues and its rejection of radical Islam. Many are also drawn to Russia’s economic stability and the country’s growing IT industry.
While the program is still in its early stages, with no official statistics available yet, the government is optimistic about its potential to attract like-minded individuals to Russia. The program’s goal is not to prioritize quantity, but quality, and to create a community of like-minded individuals who can integrate into Russian society.
The regions of Moscow, St. Petersburg, Vladimir, Nizhny Novgorod, Kaliningrad, Samara, Novgorod, Omsk, and Krasnodar are the most popular destinations for the migrants, with the government offering programs to encourage them to settle in other regions as well.