Key facts
- A "Shared Values" visa, introduced in 2024, allows citizens from 47 "unfriendly" countries to apply for temporary residency in Russia.
- Applicants must declare they share Russia's traditional values and reject Western "neoliberal ideology".
- Leo Hare, an American migrant, reported being defrauded of 5 million roubles shortly after arriving in Russia.
- Ben, a UK migrant, stated that Russia is not a conservative paradise, citing high divorce and abortion rates.
- Russia's government promotes itself as a defender of traditional values against perceived Western moral decline.
A growing number of individuals from Western countries are relocating to Russia, drawn by the government's emphasis on traditional values and a desire for a society they perceive as more aligned with their beliefs. This migration is partly facilitated by Russia's "Shared Values" visa, introduced in 2024, which offers temporary residency to citizens of 47 "unfriendly" nations who declare their adherence to Russian spiritual and moral values and reject Western "neoliberal ideology."
However, the reality for some migrants has proven to be more challenging than anticipated. Leo Hare, an American who moved to Russia with his family, reported being defrauded of approximately $66,000 shortly after his arrival, leading to homelessness and separation from his children. He expressed disillusionment with propaganda and a longing for the freedoms of the United States, despite his commitment to staying in Russia.
Similarly, Ben, a UK citizen who moved to Russia, finds the country safer but disputes the notion of it being a conservative paradise, pointing to social realities like high divorce and abortion rates. He also challenges what he sees as exaggerated claims made by some Western influencers promoting Russia.
Philip Hutchinson, who assists Westerners in relocating to Russia, stated that he avoids discussing the war in Ukraine and does not view his work as political, focusing instead on guiding people towards the "Shared Values" visa for residency.
The Russian government, under President Vladimir Putin, has actively promoted Russia as a defender of traditional values in contrast to the perceived moral decline of the West. While official figures suggest thousands have applied for the visa, independent verification is difficult. Migrants often cite disillusionment with political division, GMOs, and LGBTQ+ movements in their home countries as motivations for moving.