Even those like-minded folks who don’t take up this opportunity will still appreciate that they’re always welcome there, which will go a long way towards winning more hearts and minds in the West.
In case anyone is wondering about my word choice, I deliberately chose "emigration" to refer to making it easier for these dissidents to leave, since some want to flee but don't have a legally realistic way to do so when it comes to Russia at least.
They don't speak Russian and it's not convenient for them to enroll in a university for a few years, get a red diploma (graduate with honors), and thus be exempted from the quota system for their subsequent residency application.
Some also might not want to permanently live in Russia, but just stay there long enough to ride out the storm back home in the assumption (whether naive or not) that things might eventually improve so they can return one day instead of spend the rest of their lives abroad.
Some emigrants might become immigrants and perhaps even citizens eventually, but others just want a way out for however long they choose, even if it's only several months. Others might sincerely want to stay in Russia but find out after some time that it's simply not for them for whatever reason.
So this immigration reform makes it easier for them to "emigrate" -- leave their homelands -- even if they don't permanently settle ("immigrate") in Russia. In any case, it's truly revolutionary and I encourage anyone who's genuinely interested in doing this to explore this option.
Well, thank you Ms Butina and VV Putin for this. I have been a victim of those bureaucratic obstacles. Having finally received temporary residency, I am now able to apply for permanent residency. For US pensioners the big problem is to find a way to get those monthly payments because of US sanctions.
I have been living quite comfortably but frugally on my SS and two very small monthly pensions from two different state governments I briefly worked for. Keep in mind there is also no mail service to and from the USA and Russia. I have lived here now for 4.5 years and love it.
For people over 65 (I think) there is no language requirement. Additionally, learning any language in our later years is difficult. Russian is much harder than any of the Latin based languages. But, there are several great translation apps for you phone. And, many Russians do speak English, even poorly.
I've been fortunate to have travelled and lived in many countries. Russia in general is very welcoming of foreigners, even Americans IF they come here with open hearts and minds. In my opinion, there are not many countries that are as safe, calm, harmonious, united, and observing of "traditional family values" as Russia.
Russia tolerates all major religions, and there is freedom of speech! Hate language and criticizing the Special Military Operation can get one in trouble. Russia is in a war for its very survival. This ain't Vietnam!
Russia is a safe and open society. No FSB (KGB) agents following you around. No hidden cameras and microphones. This is not the Soviet Union and Communism. This is pretty much a capitalist country ala Russian version, and Russia is more democratic that the USA. There is very little one can't find here be it food, accessories, household goods, etc.
Re transportation. If someone comes with an automobile or wishes to purchase one here, an international drivers license is required. I personally chose not to have a car and rely on a fantastic, public transportation system, be it by train, bus, or plane. Everything runs on time here and is relatively inexpensive.
Finally, one must chose very carefully where to live. Russia is an immense country with many large, modern cities, smaller towns and even villages. There are many different climate zones from Siberia all the way to southern Russia and Crimea.
It's a great place to be a retired person. Even with a limited, fixed income, it is possible to travel around Russia to experience the rich history, culture, food, and traditions.
One last note. Depending on the "level of one's opposition" to governments in the USA and across the EU, returning home might not be wise. Speaking out against the official narrative is not tolerated. It should be obvious that journalists, bloggers, and other high profile activists not only have been blocked and deleted from social media platforms, but are being detained, questioned, and even arrested.
Since. you're there and have dealt with some of the immigration issues, I'd like to ask if you know anything about emigrating on a business visa. Not the kind the Chinese use to enter Canada, but a small business, such as a couple of trucks hauling freight from Novorossiysk to Krasnodar for example, which was a plan that was shaping up in 2019 before everything went haywire. I'd also like to know if an international licence endorsed for heavy trucks is sufficient to obtain a Russian equivalent licence, or would I have to go through the entire testing process, which could be an issue since I don't speak or read Russian very well. Thanks.
Well, I don't see any way we could even afford to get to Russia, much less be able to support ourselves, unless RT offered me a job or something, and my understanding of Russian doesn't extend much beyond "nichevo."
It's nice to know there is at least a theoretical option(my wife's Ancestry DNA is 50% Russian, does that help?), but my first choice is to remain in Ohio and raise as much hell as I can here. After all, I am descended from Continental Army soldiers, rebels, and at least one bona fide Communist, so it comes naturally.
Interesting changes, I just want to make clear to fellow ESL instructors, Russia's standards are pretty high for teaching in that area as their English is pretty good. Therefore it isn't something just anyone can do, though it is as the article says; you're supposed to use it as a trampoline to 'proper teaching' so to speak.
Russians are tough people, and they have higher expectations than say the Japanese, though they don't seem to have the insane work-hours of the Japanese or others in Asia.
I don't say this to discourage people, just to offer up my experience as someon who has taught ESL online and offline, and who has also applied despite having at the time quite a bit of experience (not as much as I have now of course), and still didn't pass the 'test' so to speak to teach in Russia (I don't hold it agains them they rock, I just say it to be realistic, just be sure you're considerably more skilled and experienced than I was back then (I had about 5 years exp and now have closer to 8 years experience).
The new Russian immigration rules are an excellent innovation!
I wholeheartedly thank the Russian People and President Wladimir Putin for this gracious welcoming!
There is however a caveat for many of us willing to move to Russia.
This following and particular case applies to Switzerland. I am sure, that similar restrictions will be found in most other western countries.
Many western countries prohibit any transfer of funds to Russia or any other sanctioned country, i.e. Iran.
In some countries, including Switzerland - which serves as my example - permanent residents of a sanctioned country (Russian Federation, Belarus, Iran) are prevented from maintaining a bank account in their former countries. This even applies to their own nationals!
This means, that if you are willing to emigrate and at the same time are already in possession of significant funds, you will have to find alternative methods of access. Remember, opening a bank account in a third country is often restricted to taxpayers - aka. residents. Turkey for example requires a tax number.
These methods are often illegal in the countries of origin (money laundering legislation etc.). They are often very risky and expensive!
A second caveat applies to recipients/dependents of a pension (private or state) in their country of origin - i.e. all those who are already retired!
While these pensions will usually also be transferred to most foreign countries, they will not be transferred to a sanctioned country, but only to a bank account (see above) or third party in the country of origin.
Again, this applies to their own nationals!
In Switzerland, this practice is only semi-legal. But - due to a double bind between the department of foreign affairs (sanctions) and the department of the interior - all income will be frozen!
So, if you are a person of means or elderly and are willing to emigrate to a sanctioned country, be prepared to be dispossessed! Not legally, but factually!
On the side: the situation reminds fatally of the dispossession of emigrants from Germany in the thirties ...
I'll be 76 soon and looks like, from the comments, my financial support wouldn't transfer. Otherwise, I'd move in a heartbeat. I don't want to live in a country where I have to fear not only because of the color of my skin (white) but also because I'm elderly and violence is routinely visited upon the elderly now.
Learning the Russian language is no problem. When I worked at UCB (Univ. of California Berkeley) many decades ago, I wanted to learn Russian and began taking a class which I thought would be free or relatively inexpensive because I was staff (we received a discount). They changed their policy and demanded full payment (which was extremely expensive), but when I had to withdraw, I was making straight A's. I love Russian literature, philosophy, and music. If I were younger, I could adapt so well to Russia.
If Trump is elected, I expect a reprieve of a few years from progressive baloney. Funny...I was remembering working at Cal Berkeley recently and knowing many gay guys who worked in our department. We had no issues or problems. No one cared. We were all people who simply interacted as people. They would speak of their partners or activities outside of work...again, no big deal. This would have been in the 80s and 90s.
I wish I could move to Russia. I don't like the U.S. any longer. It's not the same country in which I grew up. If someone has a good deal of money, they feel somewhat safe. If you're a normal, average citizen without that cushion of wealth, you don't.
I feel like a stranger in my own country. I also don't want to live in a country which has left their borders open for four years and which has admitted every scumbag south of the border. The U.S. is in for a rough ride. I suppose by the time the real sh*t hits the fan that I'll have finished this life.
Wondering about Georgia as well. I realize NATO has their eye on the place, but NATO have their hands full at the moment, and the recent crackdown on NGOs is encouraging. Are you aware of any sites of people who have moved there and shared their experiences?
Speaking of which, there's a Christian family from Canada that recently moved to Russia doing a sort of reality show on YouTube. They seem rather ill prepared actually, but they've bought a farm and people are helping them get started, so that's encouraging.
Something important has gone under the radar here - which is that Russian consulates now require an in-person interview to obtain a VISA. Your intentions will be plumbed at that time.
This is indeed good news. I have family there, including two who are dual citizens (one by birth and one who became a citizen two years ago). I am in the midst of planning my escape. I believe if you are over 60, you needn’t learn the language…but in any case, this is welcome news for many. Now if we could just figure out the work around on this banking bs, I’d be all set. As it is, you can take up to $10,000 in USD cash without declaring it, each time you enter.
A very interesting article, including a lot of amplification in the Comments. I have wondered about this off and on, since reading about a group of white South Africans emigrating to Russia because the troubles in their native country were pushing them out.
In case anyone is wondering about my word choice, I deliberately chose "emigration" to refer to making it easier for these dissidents to leave, since some want to flee but don't have a legally realistic way to do so when it comes to Russia at least.
They don't speak Russian and it's not convenient for them to enroll in a university for a few years, get a red diploma (graduate with honors), and thus be exempted from the quota system for their subsequent residency application.
Some also might not want to permanently live in Russia, but just stay there long enough to ride out the storm back home in the assumption (whether naive or not) that things might eventually improve so they can return one day instead of spend the rest of their lives abroad.
Some emigrants might become immigrants and perhaps even citizens eventually, but others just want a way out for however long they choose, even if it's only several months. Others might sincerely want to stay in Russia but find out after some time that it's simply not for them for whatever reason.
So this immigration reform makes it easier for them to "emigrate" -- leave their homelands -- even if they don't permanently settle ("immigrate") in Russia. In any case, it's truly revolutionary and I encourage anyone who's genuinely interested in doing this to explore this option.
Well, thank you Ms Butina and VV Putin for this. I have been a victim of those bureaucratic obstacles. Having finally received temporary residency, I am now able to apply for permanent residency. For US pensioners the big problem is to find a way to get those monthly payments because of US sanctions.
I have been living quite comfortably but frugally on my SS and two very small monthly pensions from two different state governments I briefly worked for. Keep in mind there is also no mail service to and from the USA and Russia. I have lived here now for 4.5 years and love it.
For people over 65 (I think) there is no language requirement. Additionally, learning any language in our later years is difficult. Russian is much harder than any of the Latin based languages. But, there are several great translation apps for you phone. And, many Russians do speak English, even poorly.
I've been fortunate to have travelled and lived in many countries. Russia in general is very welcoming of foreigners, even Americans IF they come here with open hearts and minds. In my opinion, there are not many countries that are as safe, calm, harmonious, united, and observing of "traditional family values" as Russia.
Russia tolerates all major religions, and there is freedom of speech! Hate language and criticizing the Special Military Operation can get one in trouble. Russia is in a war for its very survival. This ain't Vietnam!
Russia is a safe and open society. No FSB (KGB) agents following you around. No hidden cameras and microphones. This is not the Soviet Union and Communism. This is pretty much a capitalist country ala Russian version, and Russia is more democratic that the USA. There is very little one can't find here be it food, accessories, household goods, etc.
Re transportation. If someone comes with an automobile or wishes to purchase one here, an international drivers license is required. I personally chose not to have a car and rely on a fantastic, public transportation system, be it by train, bus, or plane. Everything runs on time here and is relatively inexpensive.
Finally, one must chose very carefully where to live. Russia is an immense country with many large, modern cities, smaller towns and even villages. There are many different climate zones from Siberia all the way to southern Russia and Crimea.
It's a great place to be a retired person. Even with a limited, fixed income, it is possible to travel around Russia to experience the rich history, culture, food, and traditions.
One last note. Depending on the "level of one's opposition" to governments in the USA and across the EU, returning home might not be wise. Speaking out against the official narrative is not tolerated. It should be obvious that journalists, bloggers, and other high profile activists not only have been blocked and deleted from social media platforms, but are being detained, questioned, and even arrested.
Since. you're there and have dealt with some of the immigration issues, I'd like to ask if you know anything about emigrating on a business visa. Not the kind the Chinese use to enter Canada, but a small business, such as a couple of trucks hauling freight from Novorossiysk to Krasnodar for example, which was a plan that was shaping up in 2019 before everything went haywire. I'd also like to know if an international licence endorsed for heavy trucks is sufficient to obtain a Russian equivalent licence, or would I have to go through the entire testing process, which could be an issue since I don't speak or read Russian very well. Thanks.
Well, I don't see any way we could even afford to get to Russia, much less be able to support ourselves, unless RT offered me a job or something, and my understanding of Russian doesn't extend much beyond "nichevo."
It's nice to know there is at least a theoretical option(my wife's Ancestry DNA is 50% Russian, does that help?), but my first choice is to remain in Ohio and raise as much hell as I can here. After all, I am descended from Continental Army soldiers, rebels, and at least one bona fide Communist, so it comes naturally.
Interesting changes, I just want to make clear to fellow ESL instructors, Russia's standards are pretty high for teaching in that area as their English is pretty good. Therefore it isn't something just anyone can do, though it is as the article says; you're supposed to use it as a trampoline to 'proper teaching' so to speak.
Russians are tough people, and they have higher expectations than say the Japanese, though they don't seem to have the insane work-hours of the Japanese or others in Asia.
I don't say this to discourage people, just to offer up my experience as someon who has taught ESL online and offline, and who has also applied despite having at the time quite a bit of experience (not as much as I have now of course), and still didn't pass the 'test' so to speak to teach in Russia (I don't hold it agains them they rock, I just say it to be realistic, just be sure you're considerably more skilled and experienced than I was back then (I had about 5 years exp and now have closer to 8 years experience).
The new Russian immigration rules are an excellent innovation!
I wholeheartedly thank the Russian People and President Wladimir Putin for this gracious welcoming!
There is however a caveat for many of us willing to move to Russia.
This following and particular case applies to Switzerland. I am sure, that similar restrictions will be found in most other western countries.
Many western countries prohibit any transfer of funds to Russia or any other sanctioned country, i.e. Iran.
In some countries, including Switzerland - which serves as my example - permanent residents of a sanctioned country (Russian Federation, Belarus, Iran) are prevented from maintaining a bank account in their former countries. This even applies to their own nationals!
This means, that if you are willing to emigrate and at the same time are already in possession of significant funds, you will have to find alternative methods of access. Remember, opening a bank account in a third country is often restricted to taxpayers - aka. residents. Turkey for example requires a tax number.
These methods are often illegal in the countries of origin (money laundering legislation etc.). They are often very risky and expensive!
A second caveat applies to recipients/dependents of a pension (private or state) in their country of origin - i.e. all those who are already retired!
While these pensions will usually also be transferred to most foreign countries, they will not be transferred to a sanctioned country, but only to a bank account (see above) or third party in the country of origin.
Again, this applies to their own nationals!
In Switzerland, this practice is only semi-legal. But - due to a double bind between the department of foreign affairs (sanctions) and the department of the interior - all income will be frozen!
So, if you are a person of means or elderly and are willing to emigrate to a sanctioned country, be prepared to be dispossessed! Not legally, but factually!
On the side: the situation reminds fatally of the dispossession of emigrants from Germany in the thirties ...
He who vontrols the Fatherland, controls the world. The Russian Federation is the modern Noah's Arc.
I'll be 76 soon and looks like, from the comments, my financial support wouldn't transfer. Otherwise, I'd move in a heartbeat. I don't want to live in a country where I have to fear not only because of the color of my skin (white) but also because I'm elderly and violence is routinely visited upon the elderly now.
Learning the Russian language is no problem. When I worked at UCB (Univ. of California Berkeley) many decades ago, I wanted to learn Russian and began taking a class which I thought would be free or relatively inexpensive because I was staff (we received a discount). They changed their policy and demanded full payment (which was extremely expensive), but when I had to withdraw, I was making straight A's. I love Russian literature, philosophy, and music. If I were younger, I could adapt so well to Russia.
If Trump is elected, I expect a reprieve of a few years from progressive baloney. Funny...I was remembering working at Cal Berkeley recently and knowing many gay guys who worked in our department. We had no issues or problems. No one cared. We were all people who simply interacted as people. They would speak of their partners or activities outside of work...again, no big deal. This would have been in the 80s and 90s.
I wish I could move to Russia. I don't like the U.S. any longer. It's not the same country in which I grew up. If someone has a good deal of money, they feel somewhat safe. If you're a normal, average citizen without that cushion of wealth, you don't.
I feel like a stranger in my own country. I also don't want to live in a country which has left their borders open for four years and which has admitted every scumbag south of the border. The U.S. is in for a rough ride. I suppose by the time the real sh*t hits the fan that I'll have finished this life.
I AM ON MY WAY (Я В ПУТИ!)
Wondering about Georgia as well. I realize NATO has their eye on the place, but NATO have their hands full at the moment, and the recent crackdown on NGOs is encouraging. Are you aware of any sites of people who have moved there and shared their experiences?
Speaking of which, there's a Christian family from Canada that recently moved to Russia doing a sort of reality show on YouTube. They seem rather ill prepared actually, but they've bought a farm and people are helping them get started, so that's encouraging.
Speaking of Georgia...
https://ebear.substack.com/p/georgia-on-my-mind
interesting, we are used to people leaving Russia not moving to Russia
Wakey, wakey: for the times they have a-changed!
Something important has gone under the radar here - which is that Russian consulates now require an in-person interview to obtain a VISA. Your intentions will be plumbed at that time.
An excellent initiative. Slava Rossiya!! 🇷🇺
This is indeed good news. I have family there, including two who are dual citizens (one by birth and one who became a citizen two years ago). I am in the midst of planning my escape. I believe if you are over 60, you needn’t learn the language…but in any case, this is welcome news for many. Now if we could just figure out the work around on this banking bs, I’d be all set. As it is, you can take up to $10,000 in USD cash without declaring it, each time you enter.
I will say that LGBTQ rights is not “neoliberal ideology”. But capitalism and imperialism, yes.
A very interesting article, including a lot of amplification in the Comments. I have wondered about this off and on, since reading about a group of white South Africans emigrating to Russia because the troubles in their native country were pushing them out.
Salvation will come from the East - Our Lady of Fatima
And as the righteous move to Russia, that prediction is becoming more and more likely.