Foreign citizens who share the “traditional values” fostered by Russia and disagree with the “neoliberal” principles imposed by their governments can apply for a residency permit in the country, according to a decree signed on Monday by President Vladimir Putin.
Individuals who espouse the same “spiritual and moral” values as Russia can make the move without sitting Russian language and history exams, which are otherwise a prerequisite.
The opportunity is being offered to foreigners who disagree with what the decree describes as the “destructive neoliberal ideology.”
The list of the countries in question will be determined by the government, the document adds. The foreign ministry will also streamline the issuance of three-month visas for those interested in moving to Russia for ideological reasons. The decree will come into force on September 1.
In November 2022, Putin approved a framework for state policy to preserve and strengthen traditional Russian spiritual and moral values. Among the values are life, dignity, human rights and freedoms, high moral ideals, strong family values, and priority of spirituality over materialism.
During an address to the Federal Assembly in February, Putin said that “a large family with many children should become the norm, the philosophy of social life, the guideline of the entire strategy of the state.”
The Russian leadership has taken a number of relevant steps in recent months.
Last November, Russia’s Supreme Court outlawed the “international LGBTQ public movement,” designating it an extremist organization. In July 2023, Putin signed a decree banning gender reassignment surgeries.
It was also announced in June that the Russian government was drafting legislation banning the promotion of “child-free ideology,” particularly among young women.
The steps are intended to address Russia’s decreasing population and low birth rates. Researchers have raised the alarm over the demographic situation in Russia for some time, with official statistics showing that, in 2023, the birth rate plunged to its lowest level since 1999. According to a study conducted by macroeconomic analysis center CMASF, the trend could translate into a significant decline in the population and lead to various problems for the economy.