Putin approves migration policy focusing on foreigners seeking ‘traditional values’

Vladimir Putin has signed a new framework document laying out the state’s migration policy for the years 2026 to 2030, with a special focus on foreigners coming to Russia in search of so-called “traditional values”, according to a decree published on the Russian government’s official portal on Wednesday.

The authors of the document said a significant motivator for foreigners wanting to relocate was Russia’s policy of “preserving and strengthening traditional Russian spiritual and moral values”. However, “new challenges and threats to national security” meant the policy now needed to be improved, according to the draft, which will see the introduction of greater digital checks on migrants.

While the vast majority of migrants to Russia come from former Soviet republics in Central Asia, Russia has been keen to highlight its admittedly limited success in attracting migrants from “unfriendly” countries who move in pursuit of a more traditional lifestyle.

Putin signed a decree in August 2024 creating a new “shared values” visa for would-be migrants-of-conscience. Significantly streamlining the onerous migration process, the scheme only requires applicants to purchase health insurance and write a letter outlining their objection to their own government “imposing ideological attitudes that contradict traditional Russian spiritual and moral values.”

Maria Butina, a former Russian spy turned member of the State Duma, Russia’s lower house of parliament, said late last year that since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, approximately 3,000 citizens of “unfriendly countries” had moved to Russia. Almost a third of those come from Germany, with many others coming from the Baltic states, Italy, France, Canada, the US, and Australia.