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The number of people wishing to move to Russia from abroad has almost halved since the start of the war
Experts explain the decline in demand for resettlement by the war against Ukraine and the anti-migration policy of the Russian authorities.
The number of migrants to Russia continues to decline. In 2024, only 28 people arrived in the country under the voluntary resettlement program, which is almost half the number in 374 (2021). This is according to data from the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs, Russian media reports.
This is the lowest figure in the last four years. The decline is especially noticeable among displaced persons from Tajikistan - their number fell to 5 people (in 244-2021 there were over 2023).
The number of migrants from Armenia (from 5 in 866 to 2023 in 2) and Moldova (from 129 to 2024 people) also significantly decreased.
While 2024 people moved from Ukraine to Russia in 52, which is slightly more than in 2023 (39), but significantly less than in 2021 (1).
The reduction in migration is happening despite the official introduction of a new repatriation mechanism in Russia in 2024. Kremlin boss Vladimir Putin has simplified the conditions for return for those who lived abroad as of February 24, 2022, in particular, he has abolished the requirement to know the Russian language. In August, a law was also passed that allows repatriates to obtain a residence permit without prior temporary residence permit.
Experts explain the decline in demand for resettlement by the war against Ukraine and the anti-migration policy of the Russian authorities.
Potential migrants are deterred by possible military obligations, bureaucratic difficulties with paperwork, and integration problems — health insurance, pensions, and children's education.
